The Moluccan cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.
Region
Maluku Islands (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Found in primary and mature secondary tropical forests across parts of the central Maluku Islands, using both forest interior and edges. It forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy but will descend to lower strata along edges and clearings. The species tolerates selectively logged forest if sufficient canopy continuity remains. It is generally absent from heavily degraded habitats and open agricultural landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This medium-sized cuckooshrike is endemic to Indonesia’s Maluku Islands and spends most of its time in the canopy, where it can be surprisingly unobtrusive. It often travels in pairs or joins mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects from foliage and making short sallies. The sexes are subtly dimorphic, with females typically paler and sometimes faintly barred below. Like other cuckooshrikes, it has a slightly hooked bill adapted to catching caterpillars and other arthropods.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive, often canopy-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees, direct flights across gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks. Likely monogamous, building a small cup nest high in trees. Territorial displays are modest, relying on calls and short aerial chases.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, whistled phrases interspersed with brief churrs and clicks. Calls include thin, slightly melancholic notes repeated at intervals, with harsher scolds when alarmed.
Plumage
Mostly uniform ash-grey to slate-grey with a smooth, sleek appearance; males tend to be darker above with cleaner grey underparts, females slightly paler with faint barring or scaling below. Wings and tail are darker grey without obvious wing bars.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects and other arthropods such as caterpillars, beetles, and cicadas. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and occasionally sallies to catch flying insects. Small fruits may be taken opportunistically but form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- and upper canopy of moist tropical forest, along forest edges, and in tall secondary growth. It often forages along ridgelines and in gaps where insect activity is concentrated.
