The Yap cicadabird, sometimes considered to be a distinctive subspecies of the common cicadabird, is a species of bird in the cuckooshrike family, Campephagidae.
Region
Western Caroline Islands, Micronesia
Typical Environment
Occurs on forested parts of the Yap Islands, favoring native evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, agroforests, and mature secondary growth. It forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy along forest interiors and edges. The species will also use mixed landscapes with tall trees, including village groves and traditional agroforestry. Mangrove fringes and coastal woodlands are utilized where large trees are present. Its range is naturally limited by the small land area of the archipelago.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Yap cicadabird is a small cuckooshrike restricted to the Yap Islands in the western Caroline Islands of Micronesia. It is sometimes treated as a distinct island form of the widespread common cicadabird complex. The name reflects its habit of hunting cicadas and other noisy insects in the forest canopy. Habitat alteration and invasive predators on small islands may pose ongoing risks.
Temperament
wary and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flights between tree crowns
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, often maintaining territories in wooded habitats. Pairs likely remain together year-round, building a small, shallow cup nest high on horizontal branches. They may join mixed-species flocks while foraging but generally keep to mid- to upper-canopy strata.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives buzzy, cicada-like trills and harsh churring notes, interspersed with sharp 'tchik' calls. Vocalizations carry through the canopy and are used for contact and territorial advertisement.
