Black-winged cuckooshrike

The black-winged cuckooshrike, also known as lesser grey cuckooshrike or dark grey cuckooshrike, is a species of cuckooshrike found in South to Southeast Asia. Despite the name, they (cuckooshrikes) are unrelated to either shrikes or cuckoos. They have broad based bills with grey upper parts, black wings, white vent, graduated white-tipped tails, black bills and legs. Females are overall lighter in all taxa.

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Distribution

Region

South and Southeast Asia

Typical Environment

Breeds in hill and montane forests from the Himalayan foothills through northeastern India and Bangladesh to Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In winter it moves to lower elevations and southward, occurring widely in peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Occupies moist broadleaf forests, edges, secondary growth, and well-wooded gardens and plantations. Typically forages in the mid to upper canopy and along forest edges where insect prey is abundant.

Altitude Range

0–2500 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size21–23 cm

Wing Span30–35 cm

Male Weight0.045 kg

Female Weight0.04 kg

Life Expectancy7 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Despite the name, cuckooshrikes are unrelated to cuckoos or shrikes; they are canopy-dwelling songbirds. Black-winged cuckooshrikes often join mixed-species flocks and move quietly through mid to upper forest layers. Many populations make seasonal or altitudinal movements, appearing in peninsular India and Sri Lanka mainly in winter.

Gallery

Black-winged cuckooshrike at Jayanti in Buxa Tiger Reserve in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India

Female

Behaviour

Temperament

quiet, wary, and often inconspicuous

Flight Pattern

direct flight with short, rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, frequently joining mixed-species canopy flocks. Builds a small, neat cup nest high in trees. Likely monogamous, with both sexes participating in care of young.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Soft, whistled phrases and thin, sibilant notes; calls include light churring or tsip notes. Vocalizations are modest and can be overlooked in noisy forests.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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