The Sunda cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in Indonesia and Malaysia, where it occurs on Borneo, Sumatra and Java. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Sundaland (Borneo, Sumatra, Java)
Typical Environment
It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests on Borneo, Sumatra, and Java, extending into mossy forest, ridgelines, and forest edges. The species favors mature forest but can use secondary growth and degraded edges if sufficient canopy remains. It typically keeps to mid and upper strata, hopping methodically along branches and gleaning from leaves and twigs. It may descend lower along forested valleys and roadsides in cooler, cloud-forested zones.
Altitude Range
800–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite the name, cuckooshrikes are neither cuckoos nor shrikes; they form their own family, Campephagidae. The Sunda cuckooshrike typically forages quietly in the mid to upper canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks in montane forests. It is generally inconspicuous, relying on muted grey plumage to blend with mossy branches and foliage.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, undulating hops between trees
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Frequently joins mixed-species flocks with other montane insectivores while foraging through the canopy. Nest is a small cup placed on a horizontal branch; both parents are believed to share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and subdued, including thin whistles and short, mellow phrases. Calls may include sharp tseet notes given while moving with mixed flocks.
Plumage
Smooth, mostly plain grey plumage with darker slate-grey wings and tail; underparts paler grey with faint scaling or mottling. The face shows a darker mask contrasting with a paler throat and cheek. Feathers are neat and unpatterned overall, giving a uniform appearance in the canopy.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. It occasionally sallies to catch flying insects and may take small berries opportunistically. Foraging is deliberate and methodical, often pausing to inspect clusters of foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid to upper canopy of montane forest, along edges, ridgelines, and roads bordered by mature trees. It also uses mossy limbs and epiphyte-laden branches where arthropods are abundant.
