The Mussau triller is a smaller member of the cuckooshrike family, Campephagidae. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the varied triller. It is found on the St Matthias Islands in the Bismarck Archipelago. Photographed and sound-recorded for the first time in 2024, the species is now thought to be restricted to the centre of the island and may be at risk due to logging.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Mussau Island, where it favors intact lowland and hill rainforests, especially mature interior tracts. It forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy, using branches, lianas, and foliage for cover. The species is seldom reported from coastal plantations or heavily degraded forest. It may persist in selectively logged forest but appears most frequent where continuous canopy remains.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This little-known cuckooshrike is confined to Mussau Island in the St Matthias Islands of Papua New Guinea and was long treated as a subspecies of the Varied Triller. It was first photographed and sound-recorded in 2024, confirming long-suspected identification features and voice. Current observations suggest it is concentrated in the forested interior, making it potentially vulnerable to logging and habitat fragmentation.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs inside forest, often keeping to mid-canopy levels. Pairs maintain small territories and may join mixed-species flocks when foraging. The nest is presumed to be a small open cup placed on a horizontal branch, as in related trillers, with both sexes likely sharing incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear whistles and soft trills delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include short chips and harsher contact notes when foraging or moving between trees.
Plumage
Compact triller with dusky grey-brown upperparts and paler underparts showing fine dusky barring on the flanks and breast. The throat is cleaner and paler, and the wings show subtle pale edging or faint wingbars. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitting, typical of Campephagidae.
Diet
Takes a variety of arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and other insects gleaned from foliage and small branches. It also consumes small fruits and berries when available, especially figs and other canopy fruits. Foraging behavior includes deliberate gleaning and short sallies to snatch prey from leaves or bark.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within the mid- to upper canopy of primary or lightly disturbed rainforest. Often works along edges of clearings or gaps within forest interiors where insect activity is concentrated.
