The Geelvink cicadabird is a passerine bird in the family Campephagidae that is found on the islands of Numfor and Biak in the Geelvink Bay of New Guinea. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the common cicadabird, now renamed the Sahul cicadabird.
Region
Offshore islands of northern New Guinea (Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs on the forested islands of Biak and Numfor, where it inhabits lowland and foothill evergreen forest. It also uses forest edge, secondary growth, and tall coastal woodland, provided there is a closed canopy. The species tends to remain in the mid to upper strata, often following mixed-species foraging flocks. It is generally patchy where forest has been fragmented but can be locally common in intact habitat.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This cicadabird is confined to Biak and Numfor in Indonesia’s Geelvink (Cenderawasih) Bay. It has been split by some authorities from the widespread Sahul cicadabird complex based on vocal and morphological differences. Like other cicadabirds, it specializes on insect prey and often remains high in the canopy, making it easy to overlook.
Temperament
shy and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often associates loosely with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Likely monogamous, building a small cup nest high in trees. Breeding activity is thought to follow local rainfall patterns, with territorial duetting and display flights.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include a cicada-like buzzing or dry trill interspersed with harsh, nasal notes. Calls carry well through the canopy but are not continuous, with birds often giving brief bursts from concealed perches.
