The Sula cicadabird, also known as the Sula cuckooshrike or Moluccan graybird, is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.
Region
Wallacea (eastern Indonesia)
Typical Environment
This species is confined to the Sula Islands, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest. It favors the mid to upper canopy and frequents forest edges and tall secondary growth. It may also occur in selectively logged forest and wooded plantations if large trees remain. It is generally uncommon outside continuous forest. Use of mixed flocks allows it to exploit scattered food resources across the canopy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sula cicadabird is a canopy-dwelling cuckooshrike restricted to the Sula Islands of Indonesia. Its name reflects the male’s buzzy, cicada‑like trills and its habit of hunting large insects in the treetops. It often travels with mixed-species flocks, which helps it locate food and avoid predators. Although considered not globally threatened, ongoing forest loss on its small range is a concern.
Temperament
quiet, unobtrusive, and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone, in pairs, or small family groups, and commonly joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Breeding pairs defend small territories and place a shallow cup nest high in trees. Both sexes likely share incubation and nestling care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a buzzy, cicada-like trill interspersed with short, harsh notes. Calls include sharp chips and soft whistles used for contact within the canopy.
Plumage
Smooth, even grey plumage with darker slate wings and tail; males appear cleaner grey with subtle contrast, females slightly browner with faint, diffuse barring below. Feathers are sleek and close‑fitting, giving a neat, uniform look. The tail and remiges often show pale edging.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as cicadas, beetles, orthopterans, and caterpillars. It also takes other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs and may occasionally consume small fruits. Foraging is deliberate, with short sallies and hover-gleaning to pick prey from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Primarily forages in the mid to upper canopy of intact and mature secondary rainforest. Also works forest edges and tall trees in lightly disturbed habitats and plantations.
