Coracina maxima
The Ground Cuckooshrike (*Coracina maxima*) stands as Australia's largest cuckooshrike, a captivating passerine measuring 32-35 cm (12.5-14 inches) in length and weighing between 100-140 grams. Its distinctive plumage features a soft grey back, contrasting white underparts, and eye-catching fine black scalloping that adorns its flanks and vent. Key field marks for identification include a prominent white supercilium situated above a bold black eye-stripe, while its black flight feathers and t...
Primarily inhabits open woodlands, mallee, and savanna with a grassy understory, often along watercourses. It typically occurs in drier eucalypt forests and agricultural landscapes, generally at lower to moderate elevations.
Mainly insectivorous, consuming a wide range of invertebrates such as grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and ants, supplemented occasionally by seeds. They primarily forage by walking on the ground, picking prey from the surface or low vegetation.
The Ground Cuckooshrike exhibits a fascinating blend of arboreal and terrestrial behaviors, spending considerable time foraging on the ground, often running with swift strides rather than hopping. Daily activity typically involves active foraging during daylight hours, often in small, loose group...
The Ground Cuckooshrike is endemic to mainland Australia, with its primary distribution across eastern and southeastern regions. Its breeding range extends from central Queensland, southward through New South Wales, across Victoria, and into southeastern South Australia. Disjunct populations also...
Least Concern
- The Ground Cuckooshrike is the largest species within the genus *Coracina*, towering over its cuckooshrike relatives. - Unlike most cuckooshrikes, which are largely arboreal, this species spends a significant amount of its time foraging on the ground, often running rather than hopping. - Its di...