The Sahul cicadabird, previously known as the common cicadabird or slender-billed cicadabird, is a species of passerine bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in Australia, New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. Its natural habitats are temperate forest and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. The species is placed in the reinstated genus Edolisoma by most authors. The common cicadabird was described as a "great speciator" by Mayr & Diamond (2001); and Pedersen et al. (2018) described how this species rapidly colonized and diversified across the Indo-Pacific island region and Australia in the Pleistocene.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Occurs across northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago. It inhabits temperate eucalypt forests, subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, and wooded edges, as well as mangrove margins and riparian corridors. The species favors mid- to upper-canopy strata and often uses secondary growth and regrowth forests. It adapts to fragmented woodland mosaics provided sufficient canopy connectivity and insect prey are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sahul cicadabird is a canopy-dwelling cuckooshrike that forages quietly for insects, especially cicadas, giving the species its name. Males are mostly slate-grey while females are browner with fine barring below, making pairs subtly dimorphic. Many Australian populations move seasonally, with southern breeders migrating north toward New Guinea in the non-breeding season. It belongs to the genus Edolisoma, a group noted for rapid diversification across Indo-Pacific islands.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful canopy flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks in the canopy. Pairs defend small breeding territories and build a neat cup nest high in trees. Both sexes participate in incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include dry, buzzing trills and rasping notes reminiscent of cicadas, interspersed with sharp, metallic calls. Song is typically delivered from concealed perches high in the canopy.
Plumage
Male mostly smooth slate-grey with darker face and paler underparts; female brownish-grey above with fine dark barring across the whitish underparts. Both sexes have a slender, slightly decurved bill and neat, sleek feathering suited to canopy foraging.
Diet
Feeds primarily on large insects such as cicadas, beetles, caterpillars, and mantids, sometimes taking spiders. It gleans prey from foliage and branches, makes short sallies to capture aerial insects, and occasionally hawks in brief pursuits. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of forests and woodlands, along forest edges, and in riparian and mangrove fringes. Often uses ecotones and lightly disturbed habitats where insect activity is high.
