The black cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the cuckooshrike family Campephagidae. The species is closely related to Petit's cuckooshrike and the red-shouldered cuckooshrike, and forms a superspecies with them. It is also known as the African black cuckooshrike.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa (especially southern and central Africa)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in woodland and savanna mosaics, including miombo, mopane and Acacia woodlands, riparian fringes, and well-wooded gardens. Prefers taller trees and spends much of its time in the mid- to upper canopy. Common in edges, clearings, and along river courses where insect prey is abundant. It adapts to lightly modified habitats but avoids treeless open grasslands and dense closed forest interiors.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite the name, cuckooshrikes are neither cuckoos nor shrikes; the group is named for a superficial resemblance to both. Males are glossy black and often flash a bright yellow shoulder panel in display, while females are more olive-yellow with streaked underparts. They are canopy dwellers that often join mixed-species flocks and make soft, fluty whistles from high perches.
Temperament
quiet and somewhat secretive in the canopy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often associates with mixed-species foraging parties. Likely monogamous, with a neat cup nest placed high in a tree. Both sexes participate in rearing the young, and adults are attentive but unobtrusive around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives soft, fluty whistles and mellow phrases from high perches. Calls are unobtrusive but carry in quiet woodland, often a series of plaintive, descending notes.
Plumage
Male is glossy black with a contrasting bright yellow shoulder panel; female is olive to yellowish with dusky streaking on the underparts and greener-brown upperparts. Juveniles resemble females but are duller and more streaked. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, suited to an arboreal lifestyle.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and bark. Will sally to take flying insects and occasionally hawk from a perch. Also supplements diet with small fruits and berries, especially when insect abundance is lower.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid to upper canopy of woodlands and riparian trees. Takes prey from leaf clusters, twigs, and bark crevices, and sometimes joins mixed flocks to exploit disturbed insects.
