Bird guideWhite-winged Triller

A nomadic species whose movements follow insect outbreaks, sometimes arriving in large numbers after rains.

⚠️NSW: Vulnerable

At a glance

FamilyCuckooshrikes
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatInhabits lightly wooded areas, especially eucalypt, foraging in pairs or small flocks in the mid- to upper story.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from July to November.

Sounds

Sound sample
0:000:00
Recorded by Marc Anderson

Range map

Range map

11390visible hotspots
101270visible records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Breeding males have black crown and back, white underparts, black wings with bold white wing panels, and black tail with white tip. In nonbreeding plumage crown and back brown, with pale-edged feathers in dark upperwing. Female similar to nonbreeding male.

Behavior

Inhabits lightly wooded areas, especially eucalypt, foraging in pairs or small flocks in the mid- to upper story. Song is a loud, clear series of notes that descend and accelerate into a trill.

Regional timing

Western Australia
Peak: June to October17,400 records
New South Wales
Peak: October to November18,210 records
South Australia
Peak: September to October5,342 records
Queensland
Peak: July to November23,924 records
Northern Territory
Peak: June to September16,800 records
Victoria
Peak: October to November13,416 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: October to November5,667 records
Tasmania
Peak: October to November20 records
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