Edolisoma holopolium
The Solomons Cicadabird, *Edolisoma holopolium*, is a medium-sized passerine, typically measuring around 20-22 cm (7.9-8.7 inches) in length and weighing 30-40 grams. Males are characterized by a uniformly dark slate-grey to black plumage, often appearing almost glossy black in certain lights, which extends across the entire body, including the bill and legs. Females are generally similar, though they may exhibit a slightly duller or brownish-grey tone, lacking the bright patterns or bold sex...
This species primarily inhabits the canopy and sub-canopy of lowland and hill forest, including primary and mature secondary growth, as well as forest edge and plantations. It is typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters.
The diet of the Solomons Cicadabird primarily consists of insects, including cicadas, caterpillars, beetles, and orthopterans, which it gleans from foliage. It also supplements its insectivorous diet with small fruits and berries.
The Solomons Cicadabird is a diurnal and largely arboreal species, spending most of its time high in the forest canopy. It typically forages individually or in pairs, systematically gleaning insects and small fruits from foliage and branches, often making short, agile sallies to catch prey mid-ai...
The Solomons Cicadabird is endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago, with its distribution spanning across several major islands. It is resident throughout Bougainville (politically part of Papua New Guinea but geographically within the Solomons chain), Choiseul, Santa Isabel, the Florida Islan...
Least Concern
- Despite its name, the 'cicadabird' moniker applies to many species in the *Edolisoma* genus, referring to their diet which often includes cicadas, and sometimes their buzzing, insect-like calls. - The Solomons Cicadabird was once considered a subspecies of the Stout-billed Cicadabird (*Edolisom...