Grey cuckooshrike

The grey cuckooshrike is a captivating bird from the cuckooshrike family, Campephagidae. This medium-sized bird thrives in the forests of southern and central Africa. Within this species, there are two subspecies that mainly differ in size. The grey cuckooshrike belongs to a broader group of nearly 90 species found across Africa, Asia, and Australasia.

One of the standout features of the grey cuckooshrike is its striking grey to blue-grey plumage, complemented by large black eyes. Males are easily recognizable by their dark grey loreal patch, which contributes to their distinctive appearance. These birds exhibit slight sexual dimorphism, with differences in coloration between males and females. Young grey cuckooshrikes have a markedly different appearance, featuring dark brown feathers and white underparts.

These birds typically inhabit Afromontane forests, lowland forests, and coastal regions. Their diet primarily consists of insects, including crickets, caterpillars, and locusts. Breeding seasons vary depending on the region, and these birds build their nests high up in trees.

Currently, the grey cuckooshrike is not considered threatened and is listed as of least concern on the IUCN Red List. However, deforestation poses a risk to their population. Despite their preference for the forest canopy, making them hard to spot, these birds are surprisingly tolerant of human presence. They have even been observed in urban areas and residential gardens.