Large Cuckooshrike

The Large Cuckooshrike, Coracina macei, presents a striking figure with its robust build and distinctive markings. Males are characterized by a broad and pronounced eye stripe, while females exhibit a paler version. The male's underparts are a sleek grey, with the abdomen and flanks displaying fine barring. In contrast, females show a barred pattern on the throat and breast, which extends further down, and they lack the conspicuous whitish vent seen in males.

Identification Tips

When observing these birds, look for the sexual dimorphism in eye stripe coloration and underpart patterns. The male's eye stripe is more prominent, and the underparts are less barred compared to the female. Both sexes exhibit a characteristic wing-flicking behavior upon alighting, which is also a part of their courtship display.

Habitat

The Large Cuckooshrike frequents the upper canopy of forests, where it can often be seen in small, bounding groups.

Distribution

This species is found across the Indian Subcontinent and, depending on taxonomic interpretation, parts of Southeast Asia. It includes various subspecies that inhabit regions from the Himalayas to the Andaman Islands, and from southeastern China to the Malay Peninsula.

Behaviour

These birds are primarily insectivorous, but they do not shy away from supplementing their diet with figs and other forest fruits. Their flight is described as bounding, a motion just above the forest canopy. The Indian population is known for its loud 'klu-eep' call, and the wing-flicking upon landing is a distinctive behavioral trait.

Song & Calls

The call of the Indian population is a resonant 'klu-eep', which can be heard echoing through their forested habitats.

Breeding

Breeding occurs during the drier winter months. The nest is a shallow saucer of twigs and grass, adorned with cobwebs on the exterior and minimal lining. It is placed in the fork of a horizontal branch, well above the ground. Clutch size varies by region, with typically three eggs in peninsular India and two around Bengal.

Similar Species

The taxonomy of the Large Cuckooshrike and its relatives is complex, with several similar species and subspecies that have been variously classified. Close relatives include Coracina striata and Coracina novaehollandiae, among others.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of insects, with an occasional indulgence in figs and forest fruits. Their foraging behavior often involves flying in small groups.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Large Cuckooshrike as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher risk category.