The barred cuckooshrike, also called the yellow-eyed cuckooshrike, is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in eastern Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands.
Region
Australasia and Melanesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in eastern Australia, New Guinea, parts of eastern Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. It inhabits lowland and hill rainforests, monsoon forest, eucalypt woodland, forest edges, and mangroves, and will use plantations and secondary growth. Birds are usually resident but may shift locally following food. It forages mainly in the midstory to canopy and is most frequently detected by its yellow eye and barred underparts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the yellow-eyed cuckooshrike, this species is named for its striking bright yellow iris. It moves quietly through the canopy, often going unnoticed despite its size. It helps control forest insects and also disperses seeds when it consumes fruit.
Temperament
quiet and wary, often unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with short, direct flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and it often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are shallow cups placed high in trees, constructed from twigs and fibers. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include soft, mellow whistles and brief, harsh churring notes. It is not highly vocal and often communicates with short contact calls while foraging.
