Lalage nigra
The Pied Triller (Lalage nigra) is a striking passerine bird, a member of the cuckooshrike family (Campephagidae), renowned for its distinctive black-and-white plumage and melodious, trilling calls. Males are particularly eye-catching, exhibiting glossy black upperparts, a prominent white supercilium, a clean white rump, and pristine white underparts, contrasting sharply with their dark bill and legs. Females are generally duller, with grayish-brown upperparts and a less distinct supercilium,...
Primarily found in open woodlands, forest edges, cultivated areas, gardens, and urban parks, preferring disturbed habitats. They typically occur from sea level up to elevations of about 1,000 meters.
Mainly insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, ants, mantids, and cicadas. They also supplement their diet with small fruits and berries, foraging primarily by gleaning and hawking.
The Pied Triller is a highly active and diurnal bird, often seen perching conspicuously on exposed branches, wires, or antennas, from which it delivers its characteristic vocalizations. Its foraging strategy is versatile, predominantly gleaning insects from foliage and bark, but also hawking flyi...
The Pied Triller boasts an extensive distribution across South and Southeast Asia, primarily resident throughout its range. It is found from parts of the Indian subcontinent (though largely a vagrant there) eastward through Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia, including Singapore. Its range extends s...
Least Concern
- The name 'Triller' is a direct reference to its distinctive, melodious trilling call, which is a key identifying feature. - Despite its commonality, its striking black-and-white plumage often leads to it being admired as one of the most attractive birds in its range. - Unlike many forest birds,...