The Andaman cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to the Andaman Islands. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the bar-bellied cuckooshrike.
Region
Andaman Islands (Bay of Bengal)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and secondary evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, as well as forest edges and well-wooded plantations. It is most frequently encountered in the mid- to upper canopy, moving methodically along branches to glean prey. The species tolerates some habitat degradation and can use secondary growth, but prefers contiguous woodland. It is absent from open country and heavily urbanized areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Andaman cuckooshrike is confined to India’s Andaman Islands and was formerly treated as a subspecies of the bar-bellied cuckooshrike. It forages high in the canopy, often joining mixed-species flocks, and is most easily detected by its soft whistled calls. Subtle differences in voice and underpart barring help separate it from mainland relatives. Habitat protection on the islands is important for its long-term security.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, level flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups and commonly associates with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Likely monogamous, building a neat cup nest placed high on a horizontal branch. Breeding activity coincides with the drier part of the year when food is plentiful.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, whistled phrases interspersed with sharper notes and scolding calls. Vocalizations are modest in volume but carry in the canopy, aiding contact between foraging birds.
Plumage
Smooth gray upperparts with paler, finely barred underparts; wings darker with subtle pale edging. Tail dark with narrow pale tips; overall appearance neat and lightly barred rather than heavily streaked.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as caterpillars, beetles, mantises, and orthopterans. Gleans prey from foliage and twigs, occasionally making short sallies to snatch flying insects. May supplement diet with small berries when available, especially outside peak insect abundance.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy of mature and secondary forests, along forest edges, and in tall wooded plantations. Often forages along leafy branch tips and among epiphyte-laden boughs.
