Varied Triller

Overview

The varied triller is a small member of the cuckoo-shrike family that prefers warm, reasonably moist environments. It is found in New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and along much of the tropical and sub-tropical coastal hinterland of eastern Australia.

Identification

• Makes repeated rolling contact calls almost continuously.
• Forages slowly and methodically through foliage at any level, sometimes on the ground.
• Works in pairs or small groups.

Habitat

Typical habitat includes rainforest, vine forest, riverine thickets, and eucalypt forest and woodland, with a particular preference for border areas between closed and open forests. The species is common to very common in the north but uncommon to rare in the colder south.

Diet

Searches for insects and fruit while moving slowly and methodically through foliage. Forages in pairs or small groups.

Did you know?

An alternative name for the species is Pied Caterpillar-eater, with the name Karua Leucomela also used.