Indian cuckooshrike

The Indian cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the cuckooshrike family Campephagidae that is found on the Indian subcontinent. Formerly under the English name "large cuckooshrike" this species included many subspecies and had a large range that included Southeast Asia.

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Distribution

Region

Indian Subcontinent

Typical Environment

Occurs across much of the Indian subcontinent in wooded habitats including moist and dry deciduous forest, semi-evergreen forest, well-wooded hillsides, plantations, orchards, and large tree-lined parks. It favors the mid- to upper canopy, moving methodically along branches and among foliage. The species tolerates moderately degraded woodland and edges but is scarce in treeless open country. It often accompanies mixed-species foraging parties in forest edges and along wooded streams.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size23–26 cm

Wing Span35–40 cm

Male Weight0.09 kg

Female Weight0.08 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Indian cuckooshrike is a medium-sized, predominantly grey bird of the canopy, often overlooked because it forages quietly among foliage. It was once lumped within the wider 'large cuckooshrike' complex that stretched into Southeast Asia, but is now treated as an Indian subcontinent endemic sensu lato. Pairs maintain loose territories and frequently join mixed-species flocks while feeding. Its diet is dominated by caterpillars, which it deftly plucks from leaves.

Gallery

A male from West Bengal

Indian cuckooshrike or Large cuckooshrike

Behaviour

Temperament

quiet and unobtrusive, often shy

Flight Pattern

direct flight with short rapid wingbeats between trees

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. Joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy, especially while foraging. The nest is a neat cup placed high on a horizontal branch, and both sexes participate in nesting duties.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are soft, including mellow whistles and subdued chattering notes. Typical calls include repeated 'chak' or 'chup' notes given from cover. Song is a brief, low series of whistles delivered intermittently.

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Identification

Leg Colordark grey

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Male largely uniform slate-grey above with slightly darker wings and tail, paler grey underparts; female greyer-brown above with faint, fine barring or mottling on the underparts. Both sexes show smooth, close-textured plumage and a subtly darker mask through the eye.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily feeds on insects, especially caterpillars, beetles, and other leaf-dwelling arthropods. It methodically gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. It may supplement its diet with small berries when insect prey is scarce.

Preferred Environment

Forages in the mid to upper canopy of forests, wooded edges, and mature garden trees. Often works along branches and leaf clusters, sometimes following mixed flocks along forest margins and riparian woodland.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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