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.
Plumage
Males are sleek and largely slate-grey above with paler grey to whitish underparts and a slightly darker face; females are browner above with warmer tones and fine barring or mottling below. Both sexes have smooth, close-set feathers typical of cuckooshrikes, giving a neat, uniform appearance. The bill is slim with a subtle hooked tip.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects, especially cicadas, caterpillars, beetles, and orthopterans. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies to snatch flying insects. Larger soft-bodied insects are subdued with quick bill work and swallowed whole. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically, but animal prey dominates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of native forest, mature secondary growth, and tall agroforests. Often works along edges and gaps where insect activity is high. Will use tall roadside or village trees when contiguous forest is limited.
