The Sulawesi heleia (Heleia squamiceps), also known as the streaky-headed white-eye and streak-headed ibon,[2] is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Wallacea (Sulawesi, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
This species inhabits subtropical to tropical moist montane forests, especially mossy and mature evergreen stands with dense midstory. It also uses forest edges, clearings with scattered trees, and secondary growth near montane forest. Birds move actively through the canopy and subcanopy, gleaning from leaves, twigs, and epiphytes. It is most frequently encountered in mixed-species flocks along ridgelines and forested slopes.
Altitude Range
800–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Sulawesi heleia, this white-eye is confined to the highlands of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It often forages in mixed-species flocks, where its constant movement and soft chatter give away its presence. The species frequents mossy montane forests and edge habitats, helping control small insect populations while also dispersing seeds from soft fruits.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Commonly travels in small parties and readily joins mixed-species flocks with other montane passerines. Pairs or small groups move quickly through foliage, communicating with soft calls while foraging. Nesting is presumed to be in concealed cups placed in dense vegetation typical of many white-eyes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of trills and twitters interspersed with short chips. The song is fast and buzzy, carrying modestly through the canopy and used to maintain contact in flocks.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a yellow-tinged face and throat; crown and sides of the head show fine pale streaking. Underparts are grayish to whitish with a faint yellow wash on the breast and flanks. The classic white-eye orbital ring is present but relatively narrow and sometimes broken.
Diet
Gleans small insects, spiders, and other arthropods from leaves and epiphytes. Also consumes soft fruits and occasionally nectar, which supplements energy needs in montane habitats. Foraging is rapid, with frequent short hops and brief sally-gleans to capture prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy of montane forest, especially along edges, clearings, and ridgelines with flowering or fruiting plants. Will utilize secondary growth and mixed forest where insect abundance is high.
