The Mindanao cuckooshrike is a passerine bird in the family Campephagidae that is found only in the Philippines on the islands of Bohol, Samar, Leyte, Mindanao and Basilan. The species was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the bar-bellied cuckooshrike.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippines, occurring on Mindanao, Basilan, Bohol, Samar, and Leyte. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland and foothill forests, including forest edges and well-wooded slopes. Birds are most often encountered in the canopy and mid-story, occasionally descending to lower levels in disturbed forest. It tolerates some degradation but is most numerous in intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly treated as a subspecies of the Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike, this species is now recognized as distinct and is confined to the southern and central Philippines. It keeps to the mid-story and canopy where it quietly forages and often joins mixed-species flocks. Ongoing lowland forest loss within its range likely affects local populations, so intact forest is important for its persistence.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches; strong, direct flier in the canopy
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently associates with mixed-species flocks. Breeding is presumed monogamous; a small cup nest is placed on a horizontal branch high in a tree. Both parents likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin whistles and subdued piping notes, interspersed with dry scolds. Vocalizations are not loud, often given from within the canopy and easy to overlook.
Plumage
Smooth gray upperparts with contrasting finely barred underparts; plumage appears clean and tight-feathered. Females and immatures show browner tones and more extensive barring. Overall impression is of a neat, medium-sized cuckooshrike with subtle patterning.
Diet
Primarily insectivorous, taking caterpillars, beetles, orthopterans, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and branches. It also sallies to catch flying insects on occasion. Small fruits and berries may be taken opportunistically, especially in the non-breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid-story to canopy of primary and secondary forest, along edges, and in semi-open wooded habitats. Often forages methodically along branches and among clusters of dead leaves where prey hides.
