The Comoro cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the Madagascar cuckooshrike.
Region
Comoros Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in native evergreen forest, montane forest, and secondary woodland, and also uses wooded plantations and forest edges. It typically forages in the mid-story to canopy, moving deliberately between branches. The species tolerates some disturbance but depends on stands of mature trees for foraging and nesting. Riparian strips and sheltered gullies can hold higher densities. In degraded areas it may persist in remnant patches connected by hedgerows. It is largely absent from open farmland and treeless coastal zones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Comoro cuckooshrike is a medium-sized member of the Campephagidae and is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the Madagascar cuckooshrike. It forages methodically among foliage for caterpillars and other insects, helping control forest pests. Pairs often keep close contact with soft calls as they move through the canopy. Habitat loss on the Comoros makes local populations sensitive to forest degradation.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
direct flight with short, shallow wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally joining small mixed-species flocks. Pairs maintain contact with soft calls and defend small territories. The nest is a shallow cup placed high on a horizontal branch; both sexes participate in nest building, incubation, and feeding young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft series of mellow whistles and thin, slightly nasal notes given from within foliage. Calls include quiet contact chips and harsher scolding notes when alarmed.
