The south Melanesian cuckooshrike is an uncommon species of bird in the cuckooshrike family. It is found in New Caledonia, Bougainville Island, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The species is a large (32–37 cm) cuckoo-shrike with a long square tail and all over dark grey plumage. The eye of adults is yellow, whereas that of the juvenile is dark. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Occurs on New Caledonia, Bougainville, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Favors subtropical and tropical moist lowland forest as well as montane forest, using both primary and mature secondary growth. Often forages in the mid-canopy to canopy along forest edges, ridgelines, and clearings. It tolerates some habitat disturbance but remains most frequent in intact forest. On smaller islands it may also use forest mosaics with gardens and plantations.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large, slate-gray cuckooshrike of South Melanesia, it is typically seen alone or in pairs moving methodically through mid to upper forest layers. Adults have striking yellow eyes, while juveniles show darker irides, aiding age identification in the field. It often joins mixed-species flocks and gives mellow whistles and harsher scolds from the canopy.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks in the canopy. Pairs maintain territories and communicate with soft whistles. The nest is a small cup placed high in a tree, and both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives mellow, whistled phrases interspersed with harder scolding notes. Calls carry through the canopy but are not especially loud; songs are often delivered from concealed perches.
Plumage
Uniform dark slate-grey to charcoal with a slightly paler belly and subtly darker wings and tail; smooth, unbarred appearance with a long, square-tipped tail.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as caterpillars, beetles, orthopterans, and other arboreal invertebrates gleaned from foliage and twigs. Will occasionally take small fruits or berries, especially when insect prey is scarce. Foraging is deliberate, with short sallies and reach-gleaning from leaves and branches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in mid- to upper-canopy strata of moist forest, including along edges and gaps where prey is concentrated. Also uses secondary growth and wooded gardens adjacent to forest on some islands.
