black face mask; otherwise grey with white belly (Australia; 2006-06-20)


White-bellied Cuckooshrike
Coracina papuensis

Native Range: Australian Region

Notes: the approximately 80 species in the large cuckooshike family (Campephagidae) get their name from the fact that these birds have superficial similarities both to cuckoos (in the family Cuclidae) and shrikes (Laniidae), even though they are not closely related to either of those groups; most cuckooshrikes have powerful bills and grey plumages like shrikes but they also superficially resemble cuckoos; in some species the sexes are alike but in others they differ strikingly; collectively these birds occur in many types of habitat; the White-bellied Cuckooshrike exists as several recognizable races in eastern and northern Australia.

dorsal view; gray upperparts; darker wings and tail (Australia; 2006-06-20)
note the strong and sturdy bill (Australia; 2006-06-20)

rather slim body; tail of moderate length (Australia; 2006-06-20)
perches shrike-like on prominent perches (Australia; 2006-06-20)