The Kai cicadabird is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.
Region
Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs on the Kai (Kei) archipelago in eastern Indonesia, inhabiting primary and secondary lowland forests as well as forest edges. It also uses wooded plantations, riverine strips, and tall scrub where mature trees persist. The species is most often encountered in the mid-story to canopy, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. It tolerates some habitat modification provided tall trees remain but is most numerous in intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kai cicadabird is a cuckooshrike endemic to the Kai (Kei) Islands of Indonesia, where it frequents forest canopies and edges. Males give a distinctive, cicada-like buzzing call that carries through the canopy. Like many cicadabirds, it forages methodically among leaves and branches for insects, especially large, noisy cicadas.
Temperament
quiet and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs maintain small territories and forage together during the breeding season. Nesting is likely a small, neat cup placed on a horizontal branch in the mid to upper levels of the forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a dry, buzzing trill reminiscent of a cicada, repeated at intervals from high perches. Also emits sharp chips and soft contact notes when moving through foliage.
Plumage
Male is smooth slate-grey above with a darker mask and paler grey to whitish underparts; female is browner with warmer tones above and faint streaking or barring below. Both sexes have neat, compact plumage suited to canopy foraging.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as cicadas, caterpillars, beetles, and orthopterans. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs, occasionally sallying to snatch flying insects. Small fruits or berries may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid-story and canopy of mature forest and taller secondary growth. It also works along forest edges, in agroforests, and over wooded clearings where insect activity is high.
