The Buru cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
This species is confined to primary and mature secondary forests on Buru Island, using both lowland and hill forest and extending into lower montane zones. It frequents forest interiors but also forages along edges and in selectively logged areas if sufficient canopy remains. The bird typically occupies the mid to upper canopy, moving methodically through foliage to glean prey. Riparian forest corridors and ridgelines are also used as movement and foraging routes. Habitat quality and continuity of canopy are important for its persistence.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Buru cuckooshrike is restricted to Buru Island in Indonesia’s Maluku archipelago and belongs to the cuckooshrike family Campephagidae. It forages quietly in the mid to upper canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks. Like many island endemics, it is sensitive to forest loss and degradation. Despite the name, it is not a cuckoo; the name reflects its slender build and foraging style.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with rapid wingbeats between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes forming small family groups. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks with other canopy insectivores. Breeding pairs maintain small territories within suitable forest. Nesting is presumed to be a shallow cup placed high in the canopy, as in related cuckooshrikes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include soft, whistled phrases and thin, piping notes delivered from concealed perches. Also gives quiet churring contact calls while foraging. The song is modest in volume and easily overlooked amid forest sounds.
Plumage
Smooth, mostly plain plumage with a satiny to matte gray look; wings and tail darker with subtle edging. Underparts are paler gray, often with slightly lighter throat and vent. Females may show a browner cast and faint mottling compared to males.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects and other small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies to snatch flying insects. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically when abundant, but animal prey dominates. Foraging is methodical and often accompanied by short pauses to scan.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid to upper canopy of mature forest, along edges with intact tall trees, and in lightly logged areas with continuous canopy. It often tracks mixed-species flocks along ridgelines and river corridors where prey is concentrated.
