The pied cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it is found in Sulawesi. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical mangrove forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Wallacea (Sulawesi, Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs in Sulawesi’s subtropical to tropical moist lowland forests and mangrove forests, favoring primary and tall secondary growth. Most active in mid- to upper-canopy layers, but also uses forest edges, riverine corridors, and adjacent wooded farmland when tree cover persists. It may persist in selectively logged forests provided canopy continuity remains. Mangrove stands along sheltered coasts and estuaries are also used for foraging and movement.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking black-and-white cuckooshrike, it is confined to Sulawesi and nearby islets in Indonesia. It often joins mixed-species flocks in the forest canopy, where it helps control insect populations. Its dependence on intact lowland and mangrove forests makes it sensitive to deforestation and coastal development.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Nests are shallow cups placed high on horizontal branches; both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing. Territorial calling and display flights occur around breeding sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, clear whistles interspersed with harsher “chak” notes. Calls are given from canopy perches and during brief foraging flights, carrying modestly through the forest.
Plumage
Clean, contrasting pied pattern: glossy to sooty black on much of the upperparts with sharply white underparts; wings show pale panels; tail often dark with lighter edges. Females and immatures tend to be duller, with more grayish tones and faint barring or mottling below.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as caterpillars, beetles, orthopterans, and other arboreal invertebrates. Forages by gleaning from leaves and twigs and by short sally-gleans to snatch prey in midair. Occasionally takes small fruits when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- to upper-canopy of lowland evergreen forest and mangroves. Often forages along forest edges, river margins, and in semi-open secondary growth with tall trees.
