The north Melanesian cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the cuckooshrike family. It is endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago. It is considered by some ornithologists to be a subspecies of Coracina caledonica. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Solomon Islands archipelago, inhabiting primary and mature secondary rainforests from lowlands into hill and montane slopes. It favors mid to upper canopy strata, using tall trees for foraging and lookout perches. The species tolerates lightly logged forest and edges but is less common in heavily degraded habitats or open farmland. It is associated with moist forest mosaics and riparian corridors in otherwise forested landscapes.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This canopy-dwelling cuckooshrike is confined to the Solomon Islands archipelago and has often been treated as part of the wider Melanesian cuckooshrike complex. Some authorities formerly placed it within Coracina caledonica, but many now recognize it separately in Edolisoma. It helps control forest insect populations and is most often detected by its soft, mellow calls rather than by sight.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short, direct flights with firm wingbeats between high perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining small family groups or mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with soft contact calls. The cup-shaped nest is placed high in trees, and both sexes likely share incubation and care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, mellow whistles and subdued churrs delivered from mid to upper canopy perches. Also gives sharp, dry scold notes when alarmed. Vocalizations carry just enough to keep contact through dense foliage.
