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Oriental cuckooshrike

Oriental cuckooshrike

Wikipedia

The Oriental cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is widely distributed from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia to east China and Taiwan. It is also found on the islands of Java and Bali in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. The range of this species was formerly restricted to Java and Bali and had the English name "Javan cuckooshrike".

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Distribution

Region

South and Southeast Asia to East Asia

Typical Environment

This species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, and well-wooded secondary growth. It often uses riverine forests, plantations with tall trees, and wooded hillsides. In parts of its range it ventures into mangroves and semi-open habitats with scattered canopy trees. It typically keeps to the mid and upper canopy where it moves deliberately among foliage and branches.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size23–27 cm
Wing Span32–38 cm
Male Weight0.07 kg
Female Weight0.06 kg
Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Oriental cuckooshrike is a medium-sized member of the Campephagidae that forages quietly in the mid to upper canopy. It ranges from the Himalayan foothills through much of Southeast Asia to east China and Taiwan, and also occurs on Java and Bali. It was once thought to be confined to Java and Bali and was then called the Javan cuckooshrike. Its soft, unobtrusive calls and barred underparts help distinguish it from similar gray cuckooshrikes.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

quiet, shy, and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief glides

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, and it may join mixed-species flocks in forest canopies. Nesting is in trees, where a small cup nest is placed high on a horizontal branch. Both parents typically participate in incubation and feeding of the young.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are soft, thin whistles and mellow chups given from the canopy. The song is subdued and intermittent, often delivered between foraging bouts, making the species easy to overlook.

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