McGregor's cuckooshrike or the sharp-tailed cuckooshrike, is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Mindanao island on the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forest. It is declining due to habitat loss.
Region
Southern Philippines (Mindanao)
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist montane and mossy forests, favoring mature canopy and forest edges. It uses ridgelines, gaps, and lightly disturbed forest as long as tall trees remain. Birds typically forage in the mid- to upper canopy, moving methodically among branches. It tolerates some selective logging but declines rapidly where large trees are removed. Proximity to intact forest is important for nesting and feeding.
Altitude Range
900–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the sharp-tailed cuckooshrike, this canopy-dwelling species is confined to the highlands of Mindanao in the Philippines. It forages quietly, often in pairs or small mixed flocks, and can be overlooked despite its size. Habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion is the primary threat. Its sharply graduated tail is a handy field mark when seen against the canopy.
A pair of McGregor's cuckooshrike in Mount Melibengoy
Temperament
quiet, unobtrusive, and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between canopy trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Builds a small open cup nest high in trees. Both parents likely share incubation and care of the young. Territorial during breeding but otherwise loosely social.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and thin, including high, wheezy whistles and brief trills. Calls are understated and can be drowned out by other forest sounds, making the species easy to miss.
Plumage
Smooth, mostly slate-gray plumage with darker wings and tail; tail is long and sharply graduated. Females and immatures show paler gray with faint scaling or barring on the underparts. Subtle pale edging on some wing feathers may be visible at close range.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and orthopterans. Gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally makes short sallies to catch flying insects. May take small berries opportunistically, especially when insect prey is scarce. Foraging is deliberate and methodical in the canopy.
Preferred Environment
Primarily the mid- to upper canopy of mature montane forest, including edges and gaps. Sometimes descends to subcanopy along ridges or in disturbed areas where prey is concentrated.
