Coracina dobsoni
The Andaman Cuckooshrike, *Coracina dobsoni*, is a captivating island endemic, exclusively found within the Andaman archipelago. This medium-sized passerine, measuring approximately 22-24 cm in length and weighing around 40-50 grams, exhibits a slender, elegant build typical of its genus. Males are characterized by a uniform ash-grey plumage above, subtly paler grey undersides, and a distinctive black loral patch and eye-stripe that extends behind the eye, creating a striking facial mask. Fem...
This species primarily inhabits dense tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, often frequenting the canopy and mid-story. It can also be found in secondary growth and mature plantations across lowlands and hill slopes.
Its diet predominantly consists of various insects, including caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas, along with their larvae. Occasionally, it supplements its insectivorous diet with small fruits.
The Andaman Cuckooshrike is a diurnal species, spending its active hours primarily foraging within the mid-canopy and upper strata of its forest habitat. It employs an agile foraging strategy, gleaning insects and larvae from foliage, twigs, and bark, often performing quick, acrobatic sallies to ...
The Andaman Cuckooshrike's entire geographic distribution is restricted solely to the Andaman Islands archipelago, located in the Bay of Bengal, India. It is a resident species, meaning it does not undertake any migratory movements, and is found year-round across the various islands. Its presence...
Least Concern
- The Andaman Cuckooshrike is a true island endemic, found nowhere else in the world except the Andaman Islands, making it a special bird for island biogeography enthusiasts. - Unlike many widespread bird species, the Andaman Cuckooshrike is a monotypic species, meaning it has no recognized subsp...