The Ethiopian white-eye was formally described and illustrated in 1861 by the German explorer and ornithologist Theodor von Heuglin based on specimens collected in the "high mountainous district of Abbyssinia".

[7][8] Based mainly of evidence from molecular phylogenetic studies, the subspecies were elevated to species rank.

[9] During the dry season, the Heuglin's white-eye are commonly found in large flocks of up to fifty birds.

However, in the wet season, flocks of this size are only seen in the early mornings or late afternoons.

[9] The habitat generally consists of woodland and forest edges, as well as isolated cultivations.