The Manus cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in the Admiralty Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the white-bellied cuckooshrike.
Region
Admiralty Islands, Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
This species is confined to Manus and nearby islands, where it occupies lowland and hill rainforests, mangroves, forest edges, and well-wooded secondary growth. It is most frequently encountered in the mid- to upper canopy, but may descend to lower strata at forest margins. It can persist in selectively logged forest and mosaic landscapes if large trees remain. The species avoids treeless areas and heavily urbanized zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the Admiralty Islands of Papua New Guinea, this cuckooshrike was formerly treated as a subspecies of the White-bellied Cuckooshrike. It forages high in the canopy, often moving methodically along branches to glean insects. Its calls include soft whistles and harsher, cicada-like notes—a trait that explains the alternative name “cicadabird.” It tolerates some habitat disturbance and may use secondary growth and gardens near forest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flights between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. Pairs maintain territories and cooperate in nesting and feeding young. The nest is a small, cup-like structure placed on an open horizontal branch high in a tree.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, thin whistles interspersed with harsher, buzzing phrases. Calls can have a dry, cicada-like quality, especially contact notes given while foraging.
Plumage
Smooth grey upperparts with clean whitish underparts; tail and wings darker with subtle contrast. Females may show slightly browner tones above and faint mottling or barring on the flanks.
Diet
Primarily feeds on arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and cicadas, gleaned from leaves, twigs, and bark. It occasionally sallies to catch flying insects from a perch. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy of mature and secondary forest, and along forest edges. It may use tall trees in gardens and agroforestry areas adjacent to forest.
