Pygmy Heleia
NamePygmy Heleia
Common NamePygmy Heleia
Scientific NameHeleia pygmaea
FamilyZosteropidae
Wingspan (cm)15
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)8.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are olive-green, contrasting with pale yellowish-white underparts. The crown is distinctive, appearing greyish and finely speckled or scaly. It has a dark bill and legs, and lacks a prominent white eye-ring.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of high-pitched, thin, sibilant calls and trills, often described as a series of 'tsee-tsee-tsee' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and several smaller adjacent islands such as Peleng and Buton, where it inhabits montane forest regions.
Identifying FeaturesVery small size, Speckled/scaly grey crown, Olive-green upperparts with pale underparts, Lack of prominent white eye-ring, Found in montane forests of Sulawesi
Description
The Pygmy Heleia is a very small, inconspicuous passerine bird characterized by its olive-green upperparts and pale yellowish-white underparts. It is typically found foraging for insects in the canopy and mid-story of montane forests.
