Coracina caledonica
The South Melanesian Cuckooshrike, Coracina caledonica, is a magnificent and robust passerine endemic to the islands of South Melanesia. This impressive songbird measures approximately 32-35 cm (12.5-13.8 inches) in length, making it one of the largest cuckooshrikes in the world. Its plumage is strikingly uniform, presenting a deep, lustrous slate-grey across its entire body, often appearing almost blackish in certain light, with only slightly paler underparts and a distinctive black lore. Ke...
This cuckooshrike primarily inhabits humid primary and mature secondary forests, as well as dense woodlands. It can be found from coastal lowlands up to montane elevations, typically favoring the canopy and mid-story layers.
The diet of Coracina caledonica consists mainly of various insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and orthopterans, supplemented by small fruits and berries. It forages by gleaning from foliage and bark, and sometimes sallying for flying insects.
The South Melanesian Cuckooshrike is a diurnal and arboreal species, often observed alone or in pairs, moving deliberately through the forest canopy. Its foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning insects and small fruits from foliage and bark, meticulously searching branches and leaves; occas...
The South Melanesian Cuckooshrike is an endemic resident bird found throughout the islands of South Melanesia. Its primary distribution encompasses New Caledonia, including the main island of Grande Terre and the adjacent Loyalty Islands (Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa), as well as the larger islands of ...
Least Concern
- This is one of the largest cuckooshrike species in the world, often described as a 'giant' among its family members. - Its common name recently shifted from 'New Caledonian Cuckooshrike' to 'South Melanesian Cuckooshrike' to better reflect its wider distribution across Vanuatu as well as New Ca...