Heleia crassirostris
The Thick-billed Heleia (Heleia crassirostris) is a captivating medium-sized songbird endemic to the island of Timor. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length, it is immediately recognizable by its disproportionately stout, conical bill, which is significantly thicker than that of most white-eyes, giving it its common name. Its plumage features olive-green upperparts and vibrant yellow underparts, beautifully contrasted by a prominent white eye-ring, a hallmark of many spec...
Primarily inhabits submontane and montane primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and dense scrub on the island of Timor, typically found between 150 and 2,400 meters above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, the Thick-billed Heleia gleans small arthropods from foliage and bark, supplementing its diet with small fruits and nectar.
The Thick-billed Heleia is a diurnal and highly active passerine, frequently observed foraging in the middle to upper canopy strata of its forest habitats. It employs an energetic foraging strategy, meticulously gleaning insects and other small arthropods from leaves, bark, and crevices with its ...
The Thick-billed Heleia is strictly endemic to the island of Timor, found across both the independent nation of East Timor (Timor-Leste) and the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara (West Timor). It is a resident species throughout its range, not undertaking any significant migratory movemen...
Least Concern
- Its common name, "Thick-billed Heleia," perfectly describes its most distinctive feature: a robust, conical bill quite unusual for a white-eye. - This species is a true island specialist, found exclusively on the island of Timor, making it a unique gem of Southeast Asian ornithology. - Despite ...