The long-tailed triller is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The Norfolk Island subspecies of the long-tailed triller, the Norfolk triller, has become extinct. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Occurs on New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, with an extinct former subspecies on Norfolk Island. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, as well as forest edges, secondary growth, and plantations. The species often uses wooded gardens and coastal thickets where native forest has been fragmented. It forages from understory to mid-canopy, frequently along edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A member of the cuckooshrike family (Campephagidae), the long-tailed triller is native to Melanesian islands and is non-migratory. It favors forest edges and secondary growth and adapts well to disturbed habitats. The Norfolk Island subspecies (often called the Norfolk triller) is extinct, but the species remains widespread elsewhere. Its name hints at a noticeably long, often graduated tail and a contrasting pale rump.
Syntype of Symmorphus (Lalage) affinis Tristram (NML-VZ T3961) held at the World Museum, the National Museums Liverpool
Syntype of Symmorphus (Lalage) affinis Tristram (NML-VZ T3965) held at the World Museum, the National Museums Liverpool
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Nests are small, neat cups placed on horizontal branches, with both sexes participating in nest building and incubation. Territorial during breeding, but tolerant in non-breeding season on rich feeding sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, repetitive trilling series interspersed with sharp whistles. Calls include soft chipping notes used for contact between mates and family members.
Plumage
Upperparts are grey-brown to olive-brown with a contrasting pale rump; underparts are pale buff to whitish with light, sometimes faint streaking on the chest. The long, slightly graduated tail shows pale edges. Plumage is neat and smooth, with subtle contrasts rather than bold patterning.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and orthopterans gleaned from foliage and bark. Also takes small fruits and berries, especially in the dry season or when insect prey is scarce. Occasionally hawks short distances for flying insects and may visit flowering trees for nectar.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and open woodlands, typically from understory to mid-canopy. Frequently works along outer foliage and branch tips where prey is more exposed.
