The Bismarck cicadabird is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to islands in the Bismarck Archipelago. It was previously considered to be conspecific with the common cicadabird.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Melanesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs on islands of the Bismarck Archipelago, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland and foothill forests. It frequents forest edges, riverine corridors, and occasionally well-wooded gardens and plantations near forest. The species forages mainly in the mid-story to canopy, moving through mixed-species flocks at times. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but remains most numerous in intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Bismarck cicadabird is a cuckooshrike that forages high in the forest canopy, often detected more by its cicada-like calls than by sight. It was formerly lumped with the common cicadabird before being recognized as a distinct island endemic. Pairs maintain small territories and are frequently seen moving methodically along branches as they glean insects.
Temperament
quiet and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, level flight between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, sometimes joining small mixed-species flocks. Monogamous pairs defend small territories and communicate with soft calls. The nest is a small cup placed high in the canopy; both sexes are thought to share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, buzzing and rattling notes reminiscent of cicadas, interspersed with soft whistles. Calls are often delivered from concealed perches high in the canopy.
Plumage
Males are smooth slate-grey above with paler grey underparts and a neat, clean appearance; females are browner to grey-brown with faint barring or streaking below. Both sexes show a slightly darker face and lores, with a tidy, uniform mantle and relatively plain wings.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects such as cicadas, beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods. It gleans prey from leaves and branches and occasionally sallies out to snatch flying insects. Small berries or other soft fruits may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid-story and canopy of lowland and foothill forests. It uses forest edges, tall secondary growth, and wooded gardens adjacent to forest.
