The Admiralty cicadabird or Manus cicadabird is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to the Admiralty Islands. It was previously considered conspecific with the common cicadabird.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago (Admiralty Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout lowland and foothill forests on Manus and nearby islets, using primary rainforest as well as secondary growth and forest edges. It forages mainly in the mid-story to canopy but will descend to lower strata at forest margins. The species tolerates some habitat modification and can appear along roadsides with tall trees. It is absent from treeless areas and heavily urbanized zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Manus cicadabird, it belongs to the cuckooshrike family Campephagidae and is confined to the Admiralty Islands of Papua New Guinea. It was formerly treated as conspecific with the widespread common cicadabird but differs in vocalizations and subtle plumage traits. The species is an agile canopy forager that often targets noisy cicadas, which inspired its name.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories in forested habitats. Pairs communicate with soft calls and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging in the canopy. Nesting is likely a small cup placed on a horizontal branch, with both parents sharing duties, as in related cicadabirds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives buzzy, cicada-like trills interspersed with sharp, metallic notes. The song carries through the canopy and is used to advertise territory; softer contact calls are given while foraging.
