TRILLERS
The Varied Triller
(Lalage leucomela)
White-winged Triller
(Lalage tricolor)
Distinguishing the Varied Triller and White-winged Triller
Australia’s woodlands and rainforests are alive with the gentle fluting calls and fluttering movements of trillers—a group of small, lively birds that often go unnoticed by the untrained eye. Among them, the Varied Triller (Lalage leucomela) and the White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor) quietly play out their roles in the intricate ecosystem, each with unique traits and stories to tell.
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | Varied Triller (Lalage leucomela) | White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor) |
|---|---|---|
| Plumage | Uniform black back/wings/head; no white wing patch | Black with prominent white wing patch |
| Underparts | White | White |
| Preferred Habitat | Rainforest, coastal forests | Open woodlands, scrub |
| Range | Eastern & northern Australia | Widespread across Australia |
| Song | Liquid, complex trills | Shorter, sharper trills |
| Body Shape | Stockier, shorter tail | Slimmer, longer tail |
By observing carefully and listening closely, we not only identify these birds—we become part of their world, connected by curiosity and care for Australia’s wild places.