The rufous-bellied triller is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to North Maluku in Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
North Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on islands such as Halmahera and nearby islets within North Maluku. It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, mangrove forests, and forest edges. The species forages most commonly in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to lower strata at edges and in secondary growth. It can persist in lightly degraded habitats and along riverine corridors, provided some tree cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This cuckooshrike is confined to the North Maluku islands of Indonesia and is named for its rich rufous underparts. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the mid to upper canopy and gives a distinctive, rapid trilling call. While it tolerates secondary growth and mangroves, it remains most frequent in lowland moist forest.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species foraging flocks. Likely monogamous, building a small cup nest placed on a horizontal branch in the mid-canopy. Territorial calling and display are most noticeable during the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, musical trill delivered in short series, often repeated from a perch high in the canopy. Also gives sharp chips and scolds when foraging or alarmed.
Plumage
Upperparts are grey to grey-brown with darker wings showing a pale wing patch; underparts are a rich rufous to cinnamon, especially on the belly and flanks. Throat may be paler, blending into the rufous breast, with clean, smooth feathering typical of trillers.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans, gleaned from foliage and small branches. It sometimes sallies to catch flying insects and may take occasional small fruits. Foraging is methodical, moving branch to branch in the mid-canopy.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, within lowland rainforest, and in mangrove stands where foliage is dense. Often selects mid to upper canopy layers but will use secondary growth and plantations with mature shade trees.
