The Indochinese cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
It occurs across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, favoring evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. The species uses both primary and well-structured secondary forest, and is regularly found along forest edges and in wooded foothills. It forages mainly in the mid to upper canopy, sometimes descending to clearings or along streams. It tolerates some habitat disturbance provided large trees remain. In montane areas it is most frequent along ridgelines and in mature broadleaf forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Indochinese cuckooshrike is a medium-sized forest bird of the family Campephagidae, typically found in the mid to upper canopy. It often joins mixed-species flocks, moving methodically between branches to glean prey. Males are plain slaty-grey while females usually show faint barring below, aiding identification.
Illustration by Keulemans, 1879
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
direct flight with steady, shallow wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging through the canopy. Nests are shallow cups placed on horizontal forks high in trees; both sexes likely share nesting duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin whistles interspersed with brief churring notes. Calls include a dry, scolding 'chak' given during foraging or when alarmed. Song is modest and easily overlooked in dense foliage.
Plumage
Smooth, uniform slaty-grey upperparts with paler grey underparts; females often show fine dusky barring on the breast and flanks. Wings are darker with pale edging, and the tail is long with subtle pale tips. Texture is sleek and close-feathered, suited for canopy movement.
Diet
Primarily arthropods, including beetles, caterpillars, mantids, and orthopterans. It gleans from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies to snatch flying insects. Small berries or figs may be taken opportunistically, especially in the non-breeding season. Prey is typically subdued and swallowed whole.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid to upper canopy of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, often along edges, ridges, and gaps. It also exploits secondary growth with mature trees and wooded riparian corridors.
