The purple-throated cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
West, Central, and parts of East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from West Africa through the Congo Basin to western East Africa, inhabiting dry forest, moist lowland forest, and montane forest. It also uses forest edges, gallery forests, and well-wooded secondary growth. Birds typically forage in the middle to upper canopy, moving methodically through crowns. The species adapts to a mosaic of wooded habitats so long as sufficient tall trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The purple-throated cuckooshrike is a quiet, canopy-dwelling member of the Campephagidae, often overlooked despite the male’s striking iridescent throat. It commonly forages in mixed-species flocks, gleaning insects from foliage high in the trees. Females are much duller than males, a classic example of sexual dimorphism. The species tolerates secondary growth and forest edges, which helps it remain widespread.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, level flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Nests are small cups placed high in trees; both sexes likely share parental duties. Breeding timing varies across its broad range, tracking local rainy seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and understated, including thin whistles and short churring notes. The song is simple and delivered sporadically from within the canopy, often making the bird easier to hear than to see.
Plumage
Male appears glossy black with an iridescent purple throat and upper breast; the sheen is most visible in good light. Female is grey-brown above with paler, lightly barred or scaled underparts and a less contrasting throat. Both sexes have a stout, slightly hooked bill and relatively plain wings.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and other arthropods, gleaned from leaves and small branches. It inspects foliage methodically, occasionally sallying to snatch prey. Small fruits and berries may be taken opportunistically, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of mature forest, edges, and tall secondary growth. Often accompanies mixed-species flocks, which helps locate prey and enhances vigilance against predators.
