Sumatran Treepie Dendrocitta occipitalis Scientific name definitions

40 cm; 88–102 g. Distinctive treepie with long, strongly graduated tail, central pair of feathers somewhat broadening towards tip, rather short bill with strongly curved culmen and cutting edges. Has fore­crown, face, throat and side of head liver-brown, darkest on crown, contrasting white upper nape, shading into light grey lower nape; upperparts tawny-brown, rump and uppertail-coverts pale grey (almost whitish); upperwing black, white patch at base of primaries; central tail feathers light silvery grey with wide black terminal band, remainder of tail black; lower throat dark brown fading to buffy rufous on breast and belly, becoming richer tawny-orange on undertail-coverts; iris red or reddish-brown; bill and legs blackish-grey. Sexes similar. Juvenile has crown, face and throat more sooty than adult, buffy fringes on body feathers and tertials, and narrower central tail feathers; first-year aged by retained worn (brown) juvenile primaries and retained narrower tail feathers.

Mountains of Sumatra.

Hill and mountain forests, both primary and secondary; also tolerates coniferous forest, bamboo stands in gulleys, and plantations. Generally between 400 m and 2300 m.

Sedentary.

Little specific information; this species was for long regarded as conspecific with D. cinerascens, and division of data between the two taxa confused. Often perches quite low down, waiting for movements in undergrowth which may flush insects from leaf litter. Also feeds in upper canopy of trees, its methodical searching reminding some observers of a malkoha (Phaenicophaeus). Usually in pairs or small family groups, although larger gatherings at exceptional food sources, such as swarming winged termites (Isoptera).

Little information. Said to be noisy, uttering bell-like calls. Vocalizations probably very much as D. cinerascens, which is similar vocally to other treepies.

No specific information.

Not assessed. Probably not globally threatened. Seems to be generally common and widespread throughout range. Tolerance of secondary forests bodes well for the future survival of this species.