The black-bellied cuckooshrike or black-bellied cicadabird is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable forest on the island of New Guinea, primarily in foothill, hill, and montane zones. It frequents subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest edges, hill forest, and moist montane forest, including mossy tracts. The species favors the mid to upper canopy but will descend to subcanopy along edges and gaps. It tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and secondary growth near mature forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the black-bellied cicadabird, it is a canopy-dwelling cuckooshrike of New Guinea’s hill and montane forests. It often joins mixed-species flocks and forages methodically among leaves and branches. The male’s contrasting dark belly is a key field mark. Its calls include buzzy, cicada-like notes typical of cicadabirds.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive, often in pairs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, level flights between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Builds a small cup nest high in the canopy. Both parents typically participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include soft whistles, dry trills, and buzzy, cicada-like notes. Calls are often delivered from concealed perches in the mid to upper canopy and can be more often heard than seen.
