Edolisoma salomonis
The Makira Cicadabird (*Edolisoma salomonis*) is a striking passerine bird endemic to the Solomon Islands, particularly noted for its extreme sexual dimorphism. Males are uniformly glossy black, sometimes with a subtle blue sheen, measuring approximately 20-22 cm in length. Their sleek, dark plumage allows them to blend into the dappled light of the forest canopy, making them often difficult to spot despite their contrasting vocalizations. Females, in stark contrast, exhibit a beautiful patte...
Found in primary and secondary lowland rainforest, forest edges, and disturbed woodlands, ranging from sea level up to approximately 1000 meters elevation. It prefers the subcanopy and canopy layers of dense, mature forests.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and their larvae, which they glean from leaves and branches or catch in aerial sallies.
Makira Cicadabirds are diurnal, actively foraging for insects throughout the day, primarily in the middle and upper strata of the forest. They employ a 'sit-and-wait' strategy, often gleaning insects from foliage or sallying out to catch airborne prey. While typically observed singly or in pairs,...
The Makira Cicadabird is strictly endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago in the southwestern Pacific. Its primary distribution is confined to Makira Island (formerly San Cristobal), where it is widespread across the island's forested regions. Its range also extends to a few smaller satellite ...
Least Concern
- The Makira Cicadabird exhibits one of the most dramatic cases of sexual dimorphism within the Campephagidae family, with males being entirely black and females distinctly barred. - Despite its common name, it is not closely related to true cicadas nor does it specialize in eating them, rather i...