The Pied Trillers (Lalage nigra) occur naturally in Asia.
They are closely related to the White-rumped Trillers ( Lalage leucopygialis) and some authorities lump them together into one species. However, based on plumage differences, some feel they are more closely related to the White-shouldered Triller (Lalage sueurii).
Distribution / Habitat
Pied Trillers occur naturally in Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Subspecies and Ranges:
- Lalage nigra nigra (J. R. Forster, 1781) – Nominate Form
- Found on the island of Borneo (located north of Java Island, Indonesia) and adjacent islands, and the Philippines.
- Lalage nigra davisoni (Kloss, 1926)
- Found in southern Andaman Islands and central Nicobar Islands (Camorta, Katchall, Trinkat).
- Lalage nigra striga (Horsfield, 1821)
- Found in southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra (including Nias Island), Bangka, Belitung and western Java (including Karimunjawa Islands).
Description
Pied Trillers measure between 6.3 – 7 inches (16 to 18 cm) in length.
Their plumage on top is boldly patterned in brownish / black and white (commonly referred to as “pied” – hence their common time) and whitish below.
The face is white with one black stripe through each eye. The bill is black and the legs and feet greyish.
Diet / Feeding
Pied Trillers feed on various insects, which are taken on the ground, picked up from foliage, or are caught in mid-air.
Breeding / Nesting
The open cup nest is constructed out of twigs, mosses and other plant material and usually attached to a branch. A clutch consists of 1 – 2 eggs.
Calls / Vocalizations / Sounds
Alternate (Global) Names
Cebuano: bugaungon … Chinese: ???? … Czech: housen?ík ?ernoh?betý, Housencík cerný … Danish: Broget Triller … Dutch: Bonte Triller … Finnish: Kurnulivertäjä … French: Échenilleur térat … German: Weißstirnlalage, Weißstirn-Lalage … Indonesian: Kapasan, Kapasan Kemir … Italian: Mangiabruchi gazza … Japanese: madaranakisanshoukui … Malay: Rembah Kening Putih … Norwegian: Parktrillefugl … Polish: gasienicojad srokaty, g?sienicojad srokaty … Russian: ????????? ?????????-???????, ?????? ????????? … Slovak: húseniciarka bielocelá … Spanish: Gorjeador Pálido … Swedish: Svartvit drillfågel … Thai: ????????????????
Cuckoo-shrikes … Cuckooshrike Species Photos
