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Long-tailed triller

Long-tailed triller

Wikipedia

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.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size18–22 cm
Wing Span25–30 cm
Male Weight0.03 kg
Female Weight0.028 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
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 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

Syntype of Symmorphus (Lalage) affinis Tristram (NML-VZ T3965) held at the World Museum, the National Museums Liverpool

Behaviour

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.

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