Campephaga flava
The Black Cuckooshrike (*Campephaga flava*) is a striking passerine bird, renowned for its pronounced sexual dimorphism and vibrant plumage. Males are entirely glossy black, punctuated by brilliant yellow carpal patches (shoulder patches) that are conspicuous in flight and display, measuring approximately 19-22 cm in length and weighing 24-34 grams. Females, in stark contrast, exhibit cryptic coloration with olive-green upperparts, yellowish underparts, and fine barring on the breast and flan...
Found in a variety of wooded habitats, including broadleaved woodlands, savannas, forest edges, riparian thickets, and even suburban gardens. It occurs from low to mid-elevations across its range.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide range of invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and ants. They occasionally supplement their diet with small fruits, typically gleaning food directly from foliage and branches.
Black Cuckooshrikes are primarily diurnal, actively foraging during the day and roosting solitarily or in pairs amongst dense foliage at night. They are agile insectivores, gleaning caterpillars, beetles, and other invertebrates from leaves and branches with methodical movements, often joining mi...
The Black Cuckooshrike is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, spanning a vast area from Eritrea and Ethiopia in the northeast, south through East Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique, reaching South Africa. Its range extends westward into parts of Angola, Namibia, Bo...
Least Concern
- The genus name *Campephaga* literally translates to 'caterpillar-eater', reflecting their primary diet of insect larvae. - Despite 'cuckooshrike' in its name, it's not a true cuckoo and is unrelated; the name likely refers to some species' cuckoo-like plumage or flight. - The male's glossy blac...