White-shouldered Triller

The White-shouldered Triller (Lalage sueurii) is a passerine bird of modest size, measuring approximately 17 centimeters from beak to tail. Males exhibit a striking contrast with their predominantly black upperparts and crisp white underparts, complemented by a grey rump and a distinctive white stripe over the eye. Their wings boast white patches, and the outer tail-feathers are also white. Females share a similar pattern but are cloaked in brown above, with fine black barring decorating their underparts.

Identification Tips

To identify the White-shouldered Triller, look for the male's black upperparts with a grey rump and the characteristic white eye stripe. The white wing patches are a key feature, as is the white on the outer tail-feathers. Females can be recognized by their brown upperparts and the subtle black barring on their underparts. The bill is grey with a black tip, and the legs and feet are a deep black.

Habitat

This species is known to frequent open woodlands, savannas, and agricultural lands. It thrives in dry, lowland areas, adapting well to the varied landscapes it inhabits.

Distribution

The White-shouldered Triller can be found in Indonesia and East Timor, with its presence recorded in eastern Java, southern Sulawesi, Bali, and across the Lesser Sunda Islands.

Behaviour

The White-shouldered Triller is an active bird, often seen swooping down from a perch to snatch insects from the ground. It is a bird that is as comfortable in the air as it is perched among the trees.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of this bird includes a metallic whistling, which it may perform in flight. Additionally, it is known to emit a rapid series of harsh notes, adding to the soundscape of its habitat.

Similar Species

The Pied Triller is a close relative but can be distinguished by its slightly smaller size, broader eye stripe, and more extensive white in the wing. The male White-winged Triller, another similar species, lacks the white eye stripe found in the White-shouldered Triller.

Diet and Feeding

Insects form the staple of the White-shouldered Triller's diet. It employs a hunting strategy of watching from a perch before diving to capture its prey on the ground.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the White-shouldered Triller as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels.