Pied Trillers

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Distribution / Habitat ... Subspecies, Ranges & ID

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

Sound Recordings

Alternate (Global) Names

Cebuano: bugaungon ... Chinese: 黑鸣鹃鵙 ... Czech: housenčík černohřbetý, 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, gąsienicojad srokaty ... Russian: Белолобый личинкоед-свистун, Чёрный личинкоед ... Slovak: húseniciarka bielocelá ... Spanish: Gorjeador Pálido ... Swedish: Svartvit drillfågel ... Thai: นกเขนน้อยคิ้วขาว

Other Web Resources

IUCN Red List

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