Indian Cuckooshrike

Overview

The Indian cuckooshrike is a species of bird in the cuckooshrike family Campephagidae found on the Indian subcontinent. Previously known as the large cuckooshrike, the species currently recognises two subspecies: C. m. macei in central and south India, and C. m. layardi in Sri Lanka.

Identification

• Males possess a broad, well-marked eye stripe, while females display a paler version with barred throat and breast markings.
• Males feature a grey throat and breast, finely barred abdomen and flanks, and a prominent whitish vent.
• The Indian population emits a loud call described as 'klu-eep'.
• Birds exhibit a characteristic habit of flicking their closed wings one after the other upon landing on a perch.

Habitat

This species is found on the Indian subcontinent, specifically in central and south India, as well as Sri Lanka. It was formerly associated with a much larger range that included Southeast Asia.

Diet

The bird is mostly insectivorous but also consumes figs and forest fruits. It typically forages in small groups, flying with a bounding motion just above the forest canopy.

Did you know?

The wing-flicking behaviour observed when the birds land on a perch is also utilised during courtship.