The Madagascar cuckooshrike, also known as the ashy cuckooshrike, is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. The Comoros cuckooshrike is sometimes considered a distinct species.
Region
Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across Madagascar in both humid evergreen forests of the east and dry deciduous forests of the west. It uses forest edges, secondary growth, and wooded plantations, and will venture into gallery forests along rivers. Mostly keeps to the canopy and midstory, moving methodically through foliage. It tolerates some habitat alteration but remains most common in larger forest blocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the ashy cuckooshrike, it is a medium-sized member of the Campephagidae found only on Madagascar. It often travels with mixed-species flocks and forages in the canopy. The Comoros cuckooshrike is sometimes treated as a separate species rather than part of the same complex.
Temperament
unobtrusive and methodical
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Builds a small cup nest placed high on a horizontal branch in the mid to upper canopy. Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of soft, fluty whistles delivered at intervals from mid-canopy perches. Calls include thin seee notes and harsher chack contact calls when moving with flocks.
Plumage
Smooth, ashy-grey plumage with slightly darker wings and tail; underparts paler grey. Subtle contrast between the darker face and paler throat and belly. Females may show faint mottling or barring on the underparts.
Diet
Primarily insectivorous, taking caterpillars, beetles, orthopterans, and other arthropods. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to snatch flying insects. May supplement its diet with small berries when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the forest canopy and midstory, especially along edges and gaps where foliage is sunlit. Also feeds in secondary woodland and tree-lined plantations.
