Lalage leucomela
The Varied Triller (Lalage leucomela) is a striking passerine bird, approximately 18-20 cm in length and weighing 22-30 grams, known for its distinctive trilling song. Males typically exhibit a glossy black cap, a prominent white supercilium, a black back, and pristine white underparts, often with a rufous wash on their flanks, complemented by dark wings featuring a noticeable white panel. Females are generally duller, presenting greyish-brown heads and backs, with a less defined supercilium,...
Primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, mangroves, and well-vegetated suburban gardens. Generally found from sea level up to moderate elevations, typically below 1200 meters.
Feeds primarily on insects, including caterpillars, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, cicadas, ants, and spiders. Supplements its diet with small berries and fruits, primarily through gleaning from foliage and sallying for flying prey.
Varied Trillers are diurnal and highly active insectivores, constantly moving through the forest canopy. They forage predominantly by gleaning insects and spiders from foliage and bark, often hovering briefly, but also perform aerial sallies to catch flying insects and occasionally descend to the...
The Varied Triller is widely distributed across northern, eastern, and central Australia, extending from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, across the 'Top End' and Queensland, south into northern New South Wales. Its range also encompasses New Guinea, including the mainland and numerous ...
Least Concern
- The "triller" in its name directly refers to its distinctive, rapid, whirring vocalizations, which are a key identification feature. - Despite its common name, it is not a true thrush (family Turdidae) but belongs to the cuckoo-shrike family (Campephagidae). - It exhibits considerable variation...