The thick-billed heleia, also known as the Flores white-eye, is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is found in the Indonesian islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on Flores and Sumbawa in a variety of wooded habitats, including tropical dry forest, moist lowland forest, and montane forest. It readily uses forest edges, secondary growth, and wooded gardens or plantations near forest. Birds forage from understory to mid- and upper canopy, especially along sunlit edges and in mixed-species flocks. It can persist in moderately disturbed habitats provided some tree cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Flores white-eye, this species is confined to the Indonesian islands of Flores and Sumbawa. Its stout bill helps it take a wider range of fruits compared with many other white-eyes, while it still gleans insects among foliage. It often joins mixed-species flocks, increasing foraging efficiency and predator awareness. As a local insect predator and seed disperser, it plays a useful role in forest ecosystems.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically travels in small, vocal flocks, often joining mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs form during breeding, building small cup nests in shrubs or trees. Likely monogamous with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and tinkling trills delivered in short, lively phrases. Contact calls are sharp and sibilant, keeping flock members in touch as they move through foliage.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with paler, grayish to yellow-washed underparts; throat often yellowish with a more subdued breast. Feathers appear smooth and compact, giving a neat, sleek look. The eye-ring is narrow and whitish, sometimes less bold than in many Zosterops. Bill is short, thick, and slightly decurved.
Diet
Feeds on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also takes soft fruits and berries, and may sip nectar when available. The thick bill allows handling of slightly tougher-skinned fruits than many other white-eyes.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest edges, secondary growth, and mid-canopy layers, often moving rapidly through foliage. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks to exploit patchy resources and reduce predation risk.
