Black-shouldered cicadabird

The black-shouldered cicadabird or Papuan 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.

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Distribution

Region

New Guinea

Typical Environment

Occurs throughout lowland and hill rainforests of New Guinea, with local presence in both primary and well-developed secondary forest. Favors the mid- to upper canopy but will descend to forest edges and clearings to forage. It is recorded in both lowland evergreen forest and lower montane forest, including ridges and foothill slopes. It tolerates selectively logged areas if substantial canopy cover remains.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size20–24 cm

Wing Span28–34 cm

Male Weight0.05 kg

Female Weight0.045 kg

Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the Papuan cicadabird, this Campephagidae species is a canopy-dwelling insect-hunter of New Guinea’s rainforests. Males show a diagnostic black shoulder panel that gives the species its common name. Its calls are buzzy and cicada-like, often betraying its presence high in the foliage. It often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flights between canopy perches

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Builds a small, neat cup nest placed high in trees. Likely monogamous, with both parents participating in rearing young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are buzzy, insect-like trills and rattles, interspersed with short whistles. The call carries through the canopy and can resemble a cicada, often given from a concealed perch.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Black-shouldered kite

The black-shouldered kite, also known as the Australian black-shouldered kite, is a small raptor found in open habitats throughout Australia. It resembles similar species found in Africa, Eurasia and North America, including the black-winged kite, a species that has in the past also been called "black-shouldered kite". Measuring around 35 cm (14 in) in length, with a wingspan of 80–100 cm (31–39 in), the adult black-shouldered kite has predominantly grey-white plumage and prominent black markings above its red eyes. It gains its name from the black patches on its wings. The primary call is a clear whistle, uttered in flight and while hovering. It can be confused with the related letter-winged kite in Australia, which is distinguished by the striking black markings under its wings.

Black-sided flowerpecker

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