%2020.jpg)
The Large Cuckooshrike (Coracina macei), also known as the Indian Cuckooshrike, is a large, stocky, slate-grey passerine bird of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Favoring open woodlands and hill forests, it is easily recognized by its heavy hooked bill, black face mask, white-tipped tail, and habit of flicking its wings upon landing.
Quick biological and behavioral facts:
Size & Identification: Measuring 23 to 30 cm in length, males feature a darker grey plumage with an extensive black facial mask. Females are paler, lack the solid face mask, and possess fine grey barring on their underparts.Diet: Largely insectivorous, they hunt by perching high atop the forest canopy and scanning for insects. They also supplement their diet with figs and forest fruits.
%2021.jpg)
Behavior: Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, they travel with a distinct, undulating (bounding) flight just above the canopy. A hallmark behavioral trait is the "wing-shrug"—a quick flicking of their closed wings shortly after landing.
Vocalizations: They are highly vocal, with a characteristic loud, nasal, two-noted "klu-eep" or "gii-yaak" call.
Breeding: They nest during the drier winter months, constructing a shallow saucer of twigs and grass in a horizontal tree fork, heavily decorated on the outside with cobwebs.
