Cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized birds, often greyish with touches of white and black, though some species are more brightly coloured. In Fiji, the Polynesian Triller is a notable member of this group, recognised by its long-tailed, long-winged shape, striking black-and-white plumage and adaptable nature across many Pacific islands.
Fun Fact 1: Incredibly Sharp Vision
The Polynesian Triller are not only adept at producing a variety of calls but also exhibit a repertoire of different songs, making them quite vocal and expressive in their communication within their habitats. This vocal diversity adds to their charm and adaptability as they navigate their environments across the Pacific islands.
Polynesian Triller
The Polynesian Triller is a small, long-tailed bird found across Fiji and several Pacific islands. It has a black crown, eye-stripe, back and tail, with a white eyebrow and wide wingbar, while females are rusty-brown instead of black. Adaptable and noisy, it lives in forests, plantations, gardens and coastal areas, feeding mainly on insects and occasionally fruit.
- Botial-Jarvis, Forest. 2023. “Polynesian Triller.” December 4. iNaturalist. Accessed June 20, 2024. Link.
- Christiaen, Peter. 2024. “Polynesian Triller.” May 7. iNaturalist. Accessed June 20, 2024. Link
- Hoyo, Josep del. 2012. “Polynesian Triller.” Audio. Macaulay Library, August 31. Link
- Hoyo, Josep del. 2012. “Polynesian Triller.” Video. Macaulay Library, August 31. Link
- Merlin contributors. No date. “Polynesian Triller.” Website. Ebird.
- Wikipedia contributors. No date. “Polynesian Triller.” Website. Wikipedia.