The white-bellied cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found in Australia, the Moluccas, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Region
Australo-Papuan region
Typical Environment
Found across northern and eastern Australia, the Moluccas, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. It frequents open forests, eucalypt woodlands, monsoon forests, edges of rainforest, and mangroves. It also uses riparian corridors, savanna with scattered trees, and occasionally well-treed parks and gardens. The species is adaptable and often follows seasonal resource peaks, moving locally as food availability shifts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-bellied cuckooshrike is a versatile canopy forager that often sallies out from perches to snatch insects. It is typically seen in pairs or small family groups and may join mixed-species flocks. Several subspecies occur across Australia, New Guinea, the Moluccas, and the Solomons, showing subtle variation in tone and barring. Both sexes share nesting duties, building a small, shallow stick nest high in a tree fork.
White-bellied cuckooshrike, Cairns tropical north Queensland, Australia
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, slightly undulating flights between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups; may join mixed-species foraging parties. Pairs maintain territories during breeding. The nest is a small, shallow saucer of twigs and fibers placed high on an exposed branch. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, including mellow whistles and churring or purring notes given from perches in the canopy. Calls are often repeated in brief series and can be easily overlooked in dense foliage.
Plumage
Smooth grey upperparts with clean white underparts; females and immatures often show fine grey barring on the breast and flanks.
Diet
Primarily hunts insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and orthopterans, along with spiders. It gleans prey from foliage and bark and makes short sallies to capture flying insects. Small fruits and berries are occasionally taken, especially when insect prey is less abundant.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid- to upper canopy of open forests, eucalypt woodlands, and forest edges. Also forages along mangrove margins and in riparian trees, sometimes venturing into well-treed gardens.
