The Sulu cuckooshrike is a passerine bird in the family Campephagidae that is found in the Sulu Archipelago of the Philippines. The species was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the bar-bellied cuckooshrike.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
The species is confined to the Sulu Archipelago, especially Tawi-Tawi and nearby smaller islands. It favors primary and mature secondary lowland forest, forest edges, and wooded plantations. Birds are most often found in the mid- to upper canopy, moving methodically through foliage. It occasionally ventures into lightly degraded habitats provided tall trees persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This island-restricted cuckooshrike occurs only in the Sulu Archipelago of the southern Philippines, where it inhabits lowland forest and edges. It was formerly treated as a subspecies within the bar-bellied cuckooshrike complex but is now recognized as a distinct species. Ongoing forest loss and fragmentation in the Sulu islands likely pose the main threats to its survival.
Temperament
alert, typically in pairs or small family groups
Flight Pattern
direct flight with steady, shallow wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually forages in pairs or small groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Breeding is presumed monogamous with a small cup nest placed high in a tree. Territorial displays include short chases and vocal exchanges between neighboring pairs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin whistles interspersed with harsher scolding notes. Calls carry modestly through the canopy and are given during foraging and territorial interactions.
Plumage
Smooth slate-grey upperparts with finely barred black-and-white underparts; underpart barring most pronounced on breast and flanks. Tail is dark with slightly paler edges; wings show subtle pale fringes. Females and immatures are browner above with lighter, more diffuse barring below.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans, gleaned from leaves and twigs. It also hawks briefly for flying insects from exposed perches. Occasional small fruits or berries may be taken, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy of lowland forest, at edges, and along tree-lined ridges. It also uses mature secondary growth and wooded plantations where tall trees remain. Often joins mixed-species feeding flocks to exploit dispersed prey.
