Lesser Cuckooshrike

Overview

The lesser cuckooshrike (Lalage fimbriata) is a small, shrike-like bird belonging to the family Campephagidae. It is a resident species found across the Malay Peninsula and the Greater Sundas, currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Identification

• 20 cm in length with a short tail and a blackish head.
• Male plumage is dark grey, paler below, with contrasting blackish flight feathers and a black tail with light tips.
• Females are paler with pale barring on the underside, while immatures appear browner with grey and white barring or spotting on the breast.
• Possesses a brown iris with black bill and feet.

Habitat

Found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand, it inhabits lowland and hill forests up to 1000 m on Sumatra and 1500 m on Java. Although it prefers primary forest, it also visits surrounding cultivated areas, plantations, and gardens.

Diet

Its diet consists of insects.

Did you know?

Generally observed singly, in pairs, or in mixed flocks within treetops, the species forms small flocks during the winter months.