The grey cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the cuckooshrike family Campephagidae. It is a medium-sized forest bird, with grey to blue-grey plumage and large black eyes. There are two subspecies that occur in forest patches of southern and central Africa respectively.
Region
Southern and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, including coastal scarp forest, riverine and gallery forest, and montane forest edges. It favors the mid to upper canopy and often uses forest edges, gaps, and adjacent mature woodland. In southern Africa it inhabits patches of mistbelt and coastal forest, while in central Africa it extends through moist lowland and submontane forests. It tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and sometimes forages in wooded plantations and well-treed gardens near forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey cuckooshrike is a quiet, canopy-dwelling member of the family Campephagidae, often overlooked due to its subdued grey tones. It typically occurs in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Two subspecies are recognized, occupying forest patches in southern and central Africa respectively. Its soft, thin calls help pairs stay in contact while moving through the upper foliage.
Temperament
quiet, unobtrusive, often in pairs
Flight Pattern
direct, with shallow rapid wingbeats between canopy perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that keep close contact while moving through the canopy. Often joins mixed-species flocks, especially where insect prey is concentrated. Monogamous pairs build a small, neat cup nest placed high on a horizontal branch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin whistles and sibilant notes, often delivered as brief contact calls. A gentle series of tseet or seee notes may be given while foraging, with occasional subdued trills.
Plumage
Mostly smooth, uniform grey to blue-grey with slightly darker wings and tail; underparts paler grey. Subtle darker lores give a faint masked appearance; edges of wing feathers can be narrowly pale.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods, including caterpillars, beetles, and small orthopterans. Prey is gleaned from leaves and twigs or snatched in short sallies from a perch. It may occasionally take small fruits or berries, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy of evergreen forest and along forest edges and gaps. Also uses wooded riparian corridors and mature secondary growth, sometimes visiting well-treed gardens near forest.
