Heleia superciliaris
The Eyebrowed Heleia (Heleia superciliaris) is a petite, vibrantly olive-green passerine endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, captivating birders with its distinctive facial markings. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm in length and weighing around 10-12 grams, its most prominent field mark is a bright, clear white supercilium ("eyebrow") that contrasts sharply with its olive-green crown and ear-coverts. The underparts are a softer yellow-green, fading to a whitish belly, while the sho...
Primarily inhabits humid montane and submontane evergreen forests, as well as forest edges and disturbed areas, typically found at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,500 meters above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, spiders, and insect larvae gleaned from leaves and bark; also supplements its diet with nectar and small fruits.
This active diurnal species is often observed singly or in pairs, frequently joining mixed-species foraging flocks alongside other small passerines, systematically gleaning insects from foliage. During the breeding season, pairs likely establish and defend small territories, with males engaging i...
The Eyebrowed Heleia is strictly endemic to the large, geographically complex Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Its distribution encompasses suitable montane and submontane forest habitats across the island's four major peninsulas and central highlands. It is a resident species, with no known migrat...
Least Concern
- The Eyebrowed Heleia is found exclusively on the island of Sulawesi, making it an island endemic. - It is a member of the Zosteropidae family, commonly known as white-eyes, though its genus Heleia lacks the prominent white eye-ring typical of many true white-eyes. - Its distinctive white "eyebr...