The blue cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the Cuckooshrike family, Campephagidae. It is widespread across the African tropical rainforest, from Sierra Leone and Liberia to eastern and south-western Democratic Republic of Congo. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found across the African tropical rainforest belt from Sierra Leone and Liberia east through Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo into the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest, as well as forest edges and gallery forests. The species favors the mid to upper canopy, where it forages among foliage and along branches. It can persist in selectively logged forests if sufficient canopy structure remains.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue cuckooshrike is a canopy-dwelling member of the Campephagidae, often moving quietly through the upper forest in pairs or small family groups. Despite its vivid coloration, it can be surprisingly inconspicuous in dappled light. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks, gleaning caterpillars and other insects from leaves and twigs. Both sexes are involved in raising the young.
Temperament
quiet, alert, and active in the canopy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy gaps; strong, direct bursts
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties, and regularly associates with mixed-species flocks. Likely monogamous, nesting high in trees where a small cup nest is placed on a horizontal branch. Both adults share duties of incubation and feeding the nestlings. Breeding timing varies locally with regional rainfall patterns.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin whistles and sibilant notes given from the canopy, often interspersed with brief scolding calls. Vocalizations are not loud and can be easily overlooked amid forest sounds.
