Lalage sharpei
The Samoan Triller (Lalage sharpei) is a small, endemic passerine bird, measuring approximately 15-17 cm (6-6.7 inches) in length, primarily found on the islands of Upolu and Savai'i in the Samoan Archipelago. Males typically display slate-grey upperparts, sometimes appearing darker on the crown and flight feathers, contrasting with clean white underparts from the throat to the undertail coverts. A key field mark for identification is a distinct white patch or bar on the wings, formed by the ...
This species primarily inhabits humid tropical broadleaf forests, encompassing primary rainforests, secondary growth, and disturbed forest edges, including overgrown plantations. It occupies areas from sea level up to the higher elevations of the islands.
Its diet mainly consists of insects, such as caterpillars, beetles, and other invertebrates, which it gleans from leaves and branches. It also supplements its insectivorous diet with occasional small fruits and by aerial hawking for flying insects.
Samoan Trillers are typically observed alone or in pairs, actively foraging within the mid-canopy and sub-canopy layers of the forest during daylight hours. Their foraging repertoire includes gleaning insects and other invertebrates from foliage and bark, and occasionally sallying out from a perc...
The Samoan Triller is entirely restricted to the Samoan Archipelago in Polynesia, specifically inhabiting the islands of Upolu and Savai'i. It is a resident species throughout its range, exhibiting no migratory movements or seasonal shifts in distribution; individuals remain within their home ter...
Endangered
- The Samoan Triller is one of only two bird species truly endemic to the Samoan archipelago (the other being the Mao). - Its genus name, *Lalage*, is derived from Greek, referring to its characteristic and often melodious trilling song. - Despite its relatively subdued plumage, the white wing pa...