The Timor heleia, also known as the spot-breasted white-eye or spot-breasted heleia, is a species of bird in the white-eye family Zosteropidae. It is found on Timor island. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs across Timor Island (East Timor/Timor-Leste and West Timor, Indonesia) in moist lowland and montane forests. It frequents primary and secondary forest, forest edges, and occasionally well-vegetated gardens and plantations near forest. Birds typically forage from the understory to the mid-canopy, often following flowering or fruiting trees. They are agile foliage gleaners and may descend to lower strata when food is abundant. Local abundance varies with habitat quality, and they are most common where continuous forest remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the spot-breasted white-eye, this small passerine is confined to Timor Island and nearby islets. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through the mid-canopy in search of insects and nectar. Habitat loss and forest degradation are the main threats, particularly in lowland and montane moist forests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks and commonly joins mixed-species foraging parties with other small insectivores. Breeding pairs build a small cup nest suspended in shrubs or slender tree branches. Likely monogamous with both parents participating in care. Territoriality is modest, with more emphasis on flock cohesion while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and twitters delivered rapidly. Calls include soft tsee and sibilant contact notes used to keep flocks together. Song can accelerate into short trills when birds are excited or during courtship.
