Ground Cuckooshrike

The Ground Cuckooshrike, Coracina maxima, is a slender, long-legged bird, the largest of its family, measuring 33–37 cm in length and weighing approximately 115 grams. Its name is derived from its stout, hooked beak reminiscent of a shrike and plumage akin to that of a cuckoo. Adults boast a pale grey head and upper body, with a lower back, rump, and underparts finely barred with black. The wings are black, and the slightly forked tail is a distinctive feature of this species.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Ground Cuckooshrike, look for the pale yellow eyes and the unique black-and-white appearance in flight, which may lead to confusion with the Australian magpie. The immature birds differ slightly, with fine, broken black barrings on the throat and upper parts and dark eyes with a dark eye-line.

Habitat

This bird favors open woodlands, arid shrublands, and grasslands, particularly those dotted with dead trees and species such as mulga, cypress-pine, and mallee-spinifex. They are often found near watercourses, floodplains, and wetlands.

Distribution

The Ground Cuckooshrike is widespread across Australia, mainly inland of the Great Dividing Range but occasionally seen on the east coast. It is present in all mainland states and territories.

Behaviour

This species is likely nomadic and thinly distributed, making it somewhat unpredictable in its movements. They are often seen in small groups, possibly family units, with young staying with the parents until the next breeding season.

Song & Calls

The flight call is a distinctive "pee-ew, pee-ew" or "chill-chill….kee-lik, keelick," which can be heard during its flight.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from August to November. Ground Cuckooshrikes form monogamous pairs and nest on tree branches or forks, using materials such as bark and grass. They lay two to five glossy olive eggs with brown markings, and interestingly, nests may be communal with multiple females laying in the same nest.

Diet and Feeding

Adapted to ground feeding, they forage in small groups for insects, including mantises, grasshoppers, locusts, ants, and spiders.

Conservation status

Despite a decreasing population trend, the Ground Cuckooshrike is currently classified as Least Concern. However, it is listed as vulnerable in Victoria, and changes in habitat, such as increased woody vegetation density, could pose a threat to this species.