The Visayan cuckooshrike is a passerine bird in the family Campephagidae that is found on the western Visayas of the Philippines on the islands of Panay, Negros, Masbate, Guimaras and Ticao Island. The species was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the bar-bellied cuckooshrike.
Region
Western Visayas, Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs on Panay, Negros, Masbate, Guimaras, and Ticao, favoring lowland to lower montane forests. It uses primary and well-developed secondary forest, as well as forest edges and ravines. The species forages mostly in the mid-story to canopy where dense foliage offers cover. It can persist in fragmented habitats but is most frequent in larger forest blocks. Proximity to mature trees and intact canopy structure is important for foraging and nesting.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Visayan cuckooshrike is a forest-dwelling passerine of the family Campephagidae, confined to the western Visayas of the Philippines, including Panay, Negros, Masbate, Guimaras, and Ticao. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Bar-bellied Cuckooshrike. Typically unobtrusive, it forages high in the canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks. Habitat loss in the Visayas likely impacts its numbers and distribution.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Often moves in pairs or small family groups and frequently joins mixed-species canopy flocks. Likely monogamous, building a small cup nest on a horizontal branch high in the canopy. Both parents probably share incubation and chick-feeding duties. Territorial during breeding but more tolerant in non-breeding flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin whistles and sibilant notes delivered from mid to upper canopy perches. Calls include short chips and mellow churrs, often given while foraging.
