The white-winged triller is one of the smaller members of the cuckooshrike family, Campephagidae. It is found throughout mainland Australia and possibly on the islands to the north, including New Guinea and eastern Indonesia. It is resident or nomadic over the warmer part of its range, and a summer breeding migrant to the cooler southern parts of Australia.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Occurs across mainland Australia, with extensions to southern New Guinea and parts of eastern Indonesia. Prefers open eucalypt woodland, acacia scrub (mallee and mulga), riparian corridors, and lightly wooded farmland and town parks. Avoids dense rainforest and treeless deserts, but exploits post‑rain flushes of insects in arid and semi‑arid zones. In the cooler south it is a summer breeder; in the tropical north it is largely resident or nomadic.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
White-winged trillers are small members of the cuckooshrike family with striking seasonal plumage: breeding males turn boldly black-and-white while females and non-breeding males are brown and streaked. They are highly mobile, moving nomadically after rain in northern Australia and migrating south to breed in spring–summer. Their neat cup nests are bound with spider silk and well-camouflaged among foliage.
Female white-winged triller and a very well-camouflaged chick
Temperament
alert and restless
Flight Pattern
rapid, direct flight with short, flicking wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, forming small loose groups outside the breeding season. Pairs defend territories while nesting, building a small cup of bark and grass bound with spider silk on a horizontal branch. Both sexes incubate and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a clear, musical descending trill delivered from exposed perches high in trees. Also gives sharp contact notes and soft chattering calls while foraging.
