Heleia wallacei
The Yellow-spectacled Heleia (*Heleia wallacei*) is a charming and distinctive member of the white-eye family (Zosteropidae), known for its bright yellow "spectacles"—a prominent eye-ring that gives the species its common name. This small passerine measures approximately 11-12 cm in length and weighs about 10-14 grams, presenting a rather inconspicuous olive-green back, a pale greyish-white belly, and striking yellowish undertail coverts. Its vivid yellow eye-ring is the primary field mark, e...
It primarily inhabits montane and submontane evergreen forests, and forest edges, typically at elevations between 1000 and 2400 meters, though occasionally recorded as low as 100 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, gleaning invertebrates from foliage and bark, but also supplements its diet with nectar and small fruits.
The Yellow-spectacled Heleia is a highly active and restless diurnal species, constantly foraging through the forest canopy and mid-story. It is frequently observed in small conspecific parties or, more often, as an integral component of mixed-species foraging flocks, moving quickly through the f...
The Yellow-spectacled Heleia is strictly endemic to the eastern Indonesian islands of Seram and Buru, located within the Maluku (Moluccas) archipelago. On Seram, it is found widely across the island's montane interior, particularly within the Manusela National Park. Similarly, on Buru, its distri...
Least Concern
- Named after Alfred Russel Wallace, the co-discoverer of the theory of evolution by natural selection, highlighting its significance to the biodiversity of the Wallacea region. - Its distinctive bright yellow eye-ring, which gives it the "spectacled" name, is one of the most vibrant and prominen...