The pied triller is a species of bird in the cuckooshrike family Campephagidae. It is found in Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
This species occurs from coastal and lowland areas of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, with records extending to parts of India (Nicobar Islands). It favors mangroves, coastal scrub, forest edges, secondary woodlands, plantations, and urban green spaces. Pied trillers are common along shorelines and riverine habitats but also use inland parks and gardens. They tolerate habitat disturbance better than many forest birds. Local movements may occur in response to food availability and weather.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Pied trillers are small cuckooshrikes named for their clear, rapid trilling calls. They often forage in pairs or small family groups along forest edges and mangroves, making short sallies to snatch insects. Males are strikingly black-and-white, while females are more subdued and streaked, aiding camouflage at the nest. They readily adapt to parks and gardens in parts of their range.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, undulating bursts between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks along edges. Builds a small cup nest on a horizontal branch; both sexes participate in nest building and chick rearing. Territorial around nesting sites but tolerant in feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, rapid series of trills and whistles, often delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chips and buzzier contact notes used to keep pairs in touch.
Plumage
Male is sharply pied with glossy black upperparts, bold white wingbars, and clean white underparts; tail shows white edges. Female is grey-brown above with paler underparts marked by fine streaking and weaker wingbars. Both sexes have a neat, compact appearance with smooth, close-lying plumage.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as caterpillars, beetles, hemipterans, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and twigs. It occasionally hawks small flying insects in short sallies. Fruit and berries may be taken opportunistically, especially when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, mangrove canopies, coastal scrub, plantations, and urban parks. Often hunts from mid-canopy to treetops, moving methodically through foliage.
