The pale-shouldered cicadabird or Sumba cicadabird is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Primarily confined to forested habitats on Sumba, using both lowland and montane evergreen forests. It frequents mature primary forest but will also enter well-structured secondary growth and forest edges. The species typically forages in the mid- to upper canopy, gleaning insects from foliage and branches. It is generally absent from heavily degraded scrub and open agricultural land.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Sumba cicadabird, it belongs to the cuckooshrike family (Campephagidae) and is named after the American naturalist William Doherty. Males show a distinctive pale shoulder panel that gives the species its common name. It forages high in the canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks. Habitat loss on Sumba makes the species sensitive to ongoing forest degradation.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within territories, but may join mixed-species foraging flocks in the canopy. Nesting is likely monogamous, with a small cup nest placed high in trees. Clutch size is small, and both parents probably share incubation and care, as typical for Campephagidae.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, clicking notes and buzzy phrases reminiscent of cicadas. The call is often a series of clear whistles interspersed with harsher chattering notes. It calls more frequently at dawn and during active foraging bouts.
