The north Moluccan cicadabird is a passerine bird in the family Campephagidae that is found on Halmahera, the Bacan Islands, the Tukangbesi Islands and the island of Morotai in the northern Moluccas Islands of Indonesia. The species was formerly considered to be conspecific with the common cicadabird, now renamed the Sahul cicadabird.
Region
Northern Moluccas, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs on Halmahera, Morotai, the Bacan Islands, and adjacent islets, with records also reported from the Tukangbesi (Wakatobi) Islands. It occupies primary and secondary lowland rainforest, forest edges, and wooded gardens, and will use selectively logged forest. The species forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy and sometimes along forest margins. It can persist in mosaic landscapes provided tall trees remain for feeding and nesting.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The North Moluccan cicadabird is a cuckooshrike relative that forages high in the canopy and is named for its buzzing, cicada-like calls. It inhabits islands such as Halmahera, Bacan, Morotai, and nearby small island groups in the northern Moluccas of Indonesia. It was formerly treated as part of the widespread common (Sahul) cicadabird complex but is now recognized as distinct. The species appears tolerant of lightly disturbed forests and edges.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct canopy-to-canopy flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with soft calls. The nest is typically a shallow cup placed high on a horizontal branch; both parents participate in rearing young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include buzzy, insect-like trills and harsh, dry notes reminiscent of cicadas. Calls are often given from concealed perches in the upper canopy and can carry over the forest interior.
