Large Cuckoo shrike

Coracina macei

Order:

Passeriformes

Family:

Campephagidae

Size:

27-32 centimeters (10.6-12.6 inches)

Weight:

45 to 65 grams (1.6 to 2.3 ounces)

Taxonomy:

Edward Blyth in 1846

Short Description:

Large Cuckoo Shrike (Coracina macei) is a distinctive bird species found in Pakistan. It belongs to the cuckoo shrike family, known for their slender bodies, hooked bills, and distinctive calls. The Large Cuckoo Shrike is characterized by its predominantly gray plumage, with a black mask extending from its bill to its eyes, contrasting with white underparts. It has a long tail and short wings, adapted for agile flight in wooded habitats. This bird species typically measures around 27-32 centimeters in length.

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Large Cuckoo Shrike is distributed across various regions, primarily inhabiting wooded areas, forests, and scrublands. It can be found in both lowland and mountainous regions, ranging from the plains to the foothills of the Himalayas. It is particularly prevalent in the northern and northwestern parts of the country, including regions like Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir. During migration seasons, it may also venture into other suitable habitats.

Large Cuckoo Shrikes are primarily insectivorous birds, feeding on a diet consisting mainly of insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. They are often observed perched on tree branches or shrubs, scanning their surroundings for prey, which they capture using their sharp bills. These birds are known for their agile and acrobatic flight, enabling them to swiftly maneuver through dense vegetation in search of food. They are generally solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season, although they may form loose flocks outside of this period. Their calls consist of melodious whistles and chattering notes, often used for communication and territorial defense.