The Tagula butcherbird is a species of bird in the family Artamidae. It is endemic to Tagula Island in Papua New Guinea. It occupies less than 800km2 and has an estimated population of 11,500 to 23,000 individuals.
Region
Louisiade Archipelago
Typical Environment
This species is confined to Tagula Island, where it uses lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It forages along ecotones, in village gardens with scattered trees, and in lightly disturbed woodlands. It favors perches within the mid- to upper-canopy from which it scans for prey. It can tolerate some habitat modification but remains most common in intact or semi-natural forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tagula butcherbird is restricted to Tagula (Sudest) Island in Papua New Guinea’s Louisiade Archipelago. Like other butcherbirds, it has a strong, hooked bill for taking insect and small vertebrate prey and a rich, fluting song that carries through forest edges. It is often encountered in pairs that defend territories year-round. Its very small range makes it locally significant and sensitive to habitat changes.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flights between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups that defend stable territories. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in trees, with both adults participating in care of the young. Pair bonds are likely long-lasting, and birds use song to advertise territory boundaries.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Rich, melodious whistles and fluted phrases delivered from prominent perches, often at dawn. Calls include sharper chucks and harsh notes when alarmed.
Plumage
Clean black-and-white butcherbird pattern with glossy black head and mantle contrasting with white underparts and nape collar; white panels in the wings and rump are conspicuous in flight.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and orthopterans, taken from foliage or the ground after short sallies. Also captures spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like skinks or nestling birds. May supplement its diet with some fruit or nectar opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and semi-open woodlands where visibility from perches is good. Often uses mid-canopy vantage points and drops to lower levels to seize prey.
