Edolisoma timoriense
The Timor Cicadabird (Edolisoma timoriense) is a striking, medium-sized passerine, typically measuring around 18-22 cm in length. Males boast a uniform slate-grey plumage across their back, wings, and underparts, often with a darker wash on the flight feathers, creating a sleek, understated appearance. Females, in stark contrast, exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism, featuring grey-brown upperparts and distinctive barred or streaked underparts, particularly on the breast and belly, making the...
The Timor Cicadabird primarily inhabits dry monsoon forests, evergreen forests, and eucalyptus woodlands, often favoring the canopy and sub-canopy layers. It is found from low-lying coastal areas up to mid-elevations of approximately 1,500 meters.
Their diet consists predominantly of insects, including caterpillars, cicadas, beetles, and other arthropods, which they glean from foliage or catch in flight. They may also supplement their insectivorous diet with small fruits.
Diurnal and generally observed singly or in pairs, Timor Cicadabirds are active foragers in the mid-story and canopy. They employ a 'gleaning' foraging strategy, meticulously picking insects from leaves and branches, and occasionally sallying out to catch flying prey. Though details of their cour...
The Timor Cicadabird is endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands, with its primary distribution encompassing the island of Timor, which includes both the nation of East Timor and the Indonesian province of West Timor. Its range extends to several satellite islands within the region, notably Roti, Weta...
Least Concern
- The Timor Cicadabird gets its name directly from its distinctive, high-pitched calls that remarkably mimic the buzzing and trilling sounds of cicadas. - It exhibits striking sexual dimorphism, with males being uniformly slate-grey and females showcasing prominent barring or streaking on their u...