Alternative names: Sula Cuckooshrike, Sula Islands Cicadabird
- Edolisoma sula
Coracina sula
Identification
20 - 24cm. A long-tailed Cuckoo-shrike.
- Slaty-grey plumage
- Black lores and face
- Dusky chin and throat
Females are very similar to males (atypical for the genus) but slightly paler and without black on head.
Similar species
Very similar to Sahul Cicadabird but with a longer tail.
Distribution
Found in the lowlands of Sula Islands (Talibau, Seho, Mangole and Sanana), Indonesia.
Common in parts of its small range.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1].
Forms a superspecies with Sahul Cicadabird, Makira Cicadabird, Kai Cicadabird and Sumba Cicadabird.
Formerly placed in the genus Coracina. The taxonomy of these forms is complex with conflicting signals from plumage and vocalisations. Genetic differentiation is not great.
Habitat
Moist lowland forests and montanes, also in scrubs and plantations. Occurs from lowlands up to 1400m.
Behaviour
Feeds on insects and small fruits.
Forages mainly in lower storeys of forest, sallies sometimes for insects. Often in mixed-species flocks.
No information about breeding.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2015. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2015, with updates to August 2015. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliot, and D Christie, eds. 2005. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 10: Cuckoo-Shrikes to Thrushes. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334726
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Sula Cicadabird. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 11 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Sula_Cicadabird
