The trilling shrike-babbler is a species of bird in the family Vireonidae. It is endemic to the island of Java. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It used to be considered the nominate subspecies of the chestnut-fronted shrike-babbler.
Region
Sunda Islands (Java), Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable forest on the island of Java, from lowland evergreen to hill and montane forests. It favors mature, moist broadleaf forest but also uses forest edges, secondary growth, and well-wooded ravines. Birds typically forage in the mid-story to canopy and often move along ridgelines and forested slopes. Local presence depends on intact tree cover and vertical structure, and it adapts moderately well to mixed mature and secondary habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The trilling shrike-babbler is a canopy-dwelling songbird of Java whose name comes from its rapid, high-pitched trilled song. Molecular studies placed shrike-babblers with the vireos (Vireonidae) rather than the babblers, reflecting their stout, slightly hooked bills and foraging style. It was formerly treated as the nominate subspecies within the broader chestnut-fronted shrike-babbler complex, but distinctive vocalizations and morphology support full species status.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often joins mixed-species flocks, moving quickly through mid-story and canopy while gleaning prey from leaves and twigs. Typically seen in pairs during the breeding season, defending small territories. Nests are cup-shaped and placed well above ground in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A bright, rapid, high-pitched trill delivered in short series, often repeated from a mid-canopy perch. Calls include sharp chips and thin whistles used to keep contact within pairs or flocks.
Plumage
Compact, shrike-like passerine with a stout bill; upperparts mostly olive-green with contrasting wing panel and clean, paler underparts. Males show a chestnut-toned forehead/front with a darker mask and greyish crown; females are greener and duller with weaker facial contrast. Both sexes show bold pale wingbars and a neat, tidy appearance in the canopy.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, gleaned from foliage and small branches. Occasionally takes small berries or soft fruits, especially outside the breeding season. Uses its stout, slightly hooked bill to pick and pry prey from leaves and bark.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid-story and canopy of humid broadleaf forest, along forest edges, and in older secondary growth. Frequently accompanies mixed flocks, exploiting disturbed or edge habitats where insect prey is abundant.
