The white-browed triller is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it occurs in the Tanimbar Islands.
Region
Wallacea
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Tanimbar archipelago in lowland forests, woodland edges, and secondary scrub. It frequents coconut groves, village gardens, and tall mangroves where available. The species typically keeps to mid- to upper-canopy strata but will descend to lower levels at forest margins. It adapts reasonably well to lightly disturbed habitats provided tall trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-browed triller is a small cuckooshrike relative restricted to Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands. It forages methodically among foliage and branch tips, often sallying out to snatch insects. Its clear, musical trills give the group its common name. As an island endemic, it can be sensitive to habitat alteration but also uses edge and secondary growth.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups; occasionally joins mixed-species flocks. Likely monogamous, nesting in a small cup placed on an exposed branch fork. Both sexes are expected to participate in parental care, as in other trillers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers clear, ringing trills and short whistled phrases from mid-canopy perches. Calls include sharp chips used to keep contact within pairs or groups.
Plumage
Neat, smooth plumage with a contrasting pale supercilium over a darker face, and plain grey-brown to dusky upperparts with paler underparts. Subtle wing paneling may be visible when perched.
Diet
Takes a variety of arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders gleaned from leaves and branches. Will sally to catch flying insects near the canopy. Also consumes small fruits and berries when available, especially during seasonal peaks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in secondary woodland, and in tall garden trees or plantations. Often works the mid- to upper canopy, moving methodically along branches and foliage.
