The black-browed triller is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in northern New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. The Biak triller was formerly considered a subspecies. It is very vocal, and often travels in flocks with other species. Like many bird species of New Guinea, very little is known about it.
Region
Northern New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland rainforests and mangrove belts along the north coast of New Guinea, spanning both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. It favors secondary growth, riverine forest, forest edges, and coastal mangroves where insect prey is abundant. The species typically uses the mid to upper canopy but will drop to lower strata at forest margins. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and patchy forest mosaics. It is generally absent from high montane forests.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-browed triller is a small cuckooshrike of New Guinea’s northern lowlands, where it frequents forest edges and mangroves. It often joins mixed-species flocks and is notably vocal, delivering rapid trills from the mid to upper canopy. The Biak triller was formerly treated as a subspecies. Like many New Guinea forest birds, aspects of its breeding and population size remain poorly documented.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Often forages in pairs or small groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks with other insectivores. Likely territorial around nesting sites, with a cup nest placed in a fork high in the canopy. Breeding behavior is not well documented but presumed to be monogamous like other trillers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers fast, buzzy trills and dry, chattering phrases repeated at intervals. Contact calls are sharp, high-pitched chips used to keep in touch while moving through the canopy.
