The Makira cicadabird is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to the Solomon Islands. It used to be considered a subspecies of the common cicadabird.
Region
Solomon Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on the island of Makira, inhabiting primary and mature secondary lowland and foothill rainforests. It favors mid- to upper-canopy strata but may descend to edges and clearings to forage. The species is tolerant of some selective logging but relies on forest cover for breeding and feeding. It is typically absent from open agricultural areas away from forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Makira cicadabird is a forest-dwelling cuckooshrike restricted to Makira (formerly San Cristóbal) in the Solomon Islands. It was previously treated as a subspecies of the widespread common cicadabird but is now generally recognized as a distinct species. Like other cicadabirds, it hunts insects with quiet persistence high in the canopy. Its vocalizations include harsh, buzzing notes reminiscent of cicadas.
Temperament
quiet, wary and canopy-oriented
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. Pairs maintain small territories and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging. The nest is a small, neat cup placed high in a fork; both parents participate in incubation and feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls include harsh, buzzing and rasping notes that evoke cicadas, interspersed with short whistles. Vocalizations are most frequent at dawn and early morning from high canopy perches.
Plumage
Male largely sooty-grey to blackish above with plainer, slightly paler underparts; female browner-grey with faint barring or streaking below. Both sexes show smooth, sleek plumage typical of cuckooshrikes and a slightly hooked, robust bill.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as beetles, moths, caterpillars, and cicadas, which it gleans from foliage and bark. It occasionally sallies to catch flying insects. Small berries or other soft fruits may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid to upper canopy of intact and semi-disturbed rainforest. Often works along forest edges, gaps, and along ridgelines where insect activity is high.
