Coracina schistacea
The Slaty Cuckooshrike (Coracina schistacea) is a medium-sized passerine bird, typically measuring 26-28 cm (10-11 inches) in length, and weighing around 70-80 grams, though specific weight data is often scarce. Its plumage is predominantly a deep, uniform slaty-grey, becoming darker on the wings and tail, often appearing almost blackish. A distinctive field mark for identification is the broad black mask or loral stripe extending from the base of the bill through the eye, sometimes encompass...
Primarily inhabits lowland and hill primary rainforests, extending into forest edges and mature secondary growth, typically at elevations from sea level up to 1,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods including caterpillars, beetles, mantises, and stick insects, often supplemented with small amounts of fruit. Foraging is done by gleaning from foliage and bark.
Slaty Cuckooshrikes are diurnal and largely arboreal, spending most of their time in the canopy and sub-canopy layers of forests. They are typically observed solitarily or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks to exploit insect resources. Foraging involves slow, methodical ...
The Slaty Cuckooshrike is endemic to the Australasian realm, primarily found throughout the island of New Guinea and its satellite islands. Its distribution includes the main island of New Guinea (both Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea), as well as the Aru Islands and Waigeo Island. Within th...
Least Concern
- Despite their name, cuckooshrikes are not closely related to cuckoos, nor are they shrikes; their name refers to their cuckoo-like plumage patterns and shrike-like bill shape. - The Slaty Cuckooshrike is a master of camouflage within the dappled light of the rainforest canopy, its grey plumage ...