Ceblepyris caesius
The Grey Cuckooshrike (Ceblepyris caesius) is an elegant, medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 23-28 cm (9-11 inches) in length, known for its understated beauty. Adults are characterized by a uniform slate-grey plumage across the head, back, and underparts, contrasting sharply with their black primary and secondary flight feathers, a dark, piercing eye, and a short, stout, hooked bill. Distinctive field marks include this consistent grey coloration, often appearing darkest on the uppe...
This species primarily inhabits moist evergreen and montane forests, forest edges, and dense woodlands, often found at elevations ranging from 900 to 3000 meters. It prefers the middle to upper canopy strata of tall trees.
The Grey Cuckooshrike primarily consumes a variety of insects, especially caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers, which it gleans from foliage and bark. It occasionally supplements its diet with small fruits.
The Grey Cuckooshrike is a diurnal species, spending its active hours foraging methodically high in the forest canopy. Its primary foraging strategy involves gleaning insects and larvae from leaves, twigs, and bark, often meticulously inspecting branches, but it will also occasionally sally out t...
The Grey Cuckooshrike has a broad yet somewhat fragmented distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, primarily inhabiting humid montane and evergreen forests. Its range extends from eastern Nigeria, through Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic, eastward into southern ...
Least Concern
- Despite its name, the Grey Cuckooshrike is not closely related to either cuckoos or shrikes; its name refers to its cuckoo-like size and shrike-like bill shape. - Its uniform slate-grey plumage offers excellent camouflage within the dappled light of the dense forest canopy, making it remarkably...