Coracina personata
The Wallacean Cuckooshrike (*Coracina personata*) is a striking medium-sized passerine, measuring 24-28 cm in length and typically weighing between 60-80 grams. Adult males are distinguished by their uniform slate-grey plumage, starkly contrasted by a prominent black facial mask covering the lores, eyes, and ear-coverts, often with a paler, sometimes whitish, lower belly. Females resemble males but generally possess a less extensive or paler facial mask, which may appear as a dusky smudge ble...
Found primarily in primary and secondary moist lowland and montane forests, forest edges, and sometimes in overgrown cultivation or plantations, typically up to 2,000 meters elevation.
Mainly insectivorous, primarily gleaning caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas, and mantises from foliage; also consumes small fruits.
The Wallacean Cuckooshrike is a diurnal species, typically observed in pairs or small family groups, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks. It primarily forages in the canopy and sub-canopy, employing a gleaning technique to pluck insects from foliage and branches. While detailed stu...
The Wallacean Cuckooshrike is endemic to the Wallacea region of Indonesia, primarily found on Sulawesi and its satellite islands. Its breeding range encompasses mainland Sulawesi, the Banggai Islands, Sula Islands, Togian Islands, and the Talaud Archipelago. Subspecies distributions include *C. p...
Least Concern
- The Wallacean Cuckooshrike was formerly known as the Sulawesi Cuckooshrike, reflecting its primary island home. - Despite its name, Cuckooshrikes are not closely related to cuckoos; the 'cuckoo' in their name refers to their undulating flight pattern, reminiscent of true cuckoos. - Its striking...