The eastern wattled cuckooshrike or oriole cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests across Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It favors mature primary forest but also uses well-developed secondary forest, forest edges, and riverine corridors. The species keeps to the mid to upper canopy, where it forages among foliage and small branches. It is generally absent from heavily degraded habitats and open farmland. Occurrence is patchy where forest cover is fragmented.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the oriole cuckooshrike, this species belongs to the Campephagidae and bears distinctive fleshy wattles at the base of the bill, most prominent in males. It spends much of its time high in the forest canopy and is often overlooked despite being fairly widespread. It forages methodically for caterpillars and other insects and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Habitat loss from logging and forest conversion is the principal threat.
Temperament
secretive and canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, and often associates with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Likely monogamous, with the male displaying the wattles during courtship. Nests are shallow cups placed on horizontal branches high above ground. Territorial calling is most frequent at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, whistled phrases interspersed with thin tseep notes. Also produces low churrs and scolds when alarmed, generally not a loud vocalist.
Plumage
Smooth, mostly slate-grey plumage with darker mantle and wings and paler grey underparts; contrasting blackish face and lores. Feathers appear sleek and uniform rather than streaked. Males show small fleshy wattles at the base of the bill that can be more conspicuous during display.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects, especially caterpillars, beetles, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and small branches. Will sally short distances to snatch prey and may hover briefly to pick items from foliage. Occasionally takes small fruits or berries, particularly when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of mature lowland rainforest and well-structured secondary forest. Often joins mixed-species feeding flocks along forest edges and in riverine strips.
