The Rossel cicadabird is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae that is endemic to Rossel Island in Papua New Guinea. It was recently reclassified from a subspecies of the slender-billed cicadabird to its own individual species.
Region
Louisiade Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Rossel Island, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland and hill rainforest. It forages mainly in the mid-story to canopy, but will also use forest edges and tall second growth. The species is most frequently encountered in relatively undisturbed forest tracts away from settlements. It may accompany mixed-species flocks and move along ridge and valley forests while feeding. Human-altered habitats with substantial tree cover can occasionally hold individuals.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This little-known cicadabird is confined to Rossel (Yela) Island in Papua New Guinea’s Louisiade Archipelago. It was recently elevated from a subspecies of the Slender-billed Cicadabird to full species on the basis of its isolation and distinctive traits. Like other cicadabirds, it is a stealthy canopy insect-hunter and is often first detected by its soft, whistled notes. Its small range makes it potentially sensitive to habitat loss, though much of Rossel remains forested.
Temperament
quiet, wary, and often inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Likely monogamous with a small, cup-shaped nest placed well above ground in a tree fork. Territorial calling and duet-like exchanges may occur during the breeding period. Parental care is shared, as in many Campephagidae.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, whistled phrases and thin, metallic notes given from concealed perches. It also gives short, dry trills and chips while foraging, which can be easy to overlook in background forest sounds.
Plumage
Male is largely slate-grey with slightly darker head and mantle; female is browner with faint streaking or barring below and paler underparts. Both sexes show smooth, close-lying plumage suited to canopy life. The tail is medium-length and slightly rounded.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects, including cicadas, beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and will sally out to snatch flying insects. Occasional small fruits or berries may be taken opportunistically. Prey is often subdued with a few sharp strikes using the stout bill.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mid- to upper-canopy layers of intact rainforest and tall secondary growth. Regularly uses forest edges, ridgelines, and gaps where insect activity is high. Less frequently observed in heavily degraded areas unless tall trees remain.
