The Wallacean cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in the Lesser Sunda Islands and the Kai Islands. It is endemic to Indonesia.
Region
Wallacea
Typical Environment
Occurs on islands of the Lesser Sundas and the Kai Islands, inhabiting primary and secondary lowland forest, forest edge, and wooded plantations. It favors the mid to upper canopy but will also use tall mangroves and monsoon woodland where available. The species tolerates moderate disturbance and can persist in mosaic landscapes with remnant trees. Pairs or small groups range across forest patches and often move along ridgelines and stream corridors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, this cuckooshrike inhabits several islands within Wallacea. It forages high in the canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks, which helps it find prey and avoid predators. Pairs are typically unobtrusive, communicating with soft whistles and churring notes.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
direct flight with steady, shallow wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or family groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Territorial displays are subtle, with soft calls and short chases. The nest is a small, neat cup placed high on a horizontal branch; both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin whistles interspersed with short churring or rattling notes. Calls are often given from mid to upper canopy and can be easily overlooked amid cicada noise.
Plumage
Smooth, ash-gray upperparts with paler gray to whitish underparts; feathers appear sleek with minimal streaking. Males show a darker head and mask-like facial area with clean, unbarred underparts; females are browner-tinged above with subtle mottling or faint barring below.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as caterpillars, cicadas, beetles, and orthopterans, gleaned from foliage and small branches. It will occasionally sally out to snatch flying prey and may take small berries when insects are scarce. Foraging is deliberate and methodical, focusing on outer canopy leaves and twigs.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy of lowland forest, edges, and tall secondary growth. It also uses wooded plantations and occasionally mangroves, especially where mature trees are present.
