Blue Cuckooshrike
NameBlue Cuckooshrike
Common NameBlue Cuckooshrike
Scientific NameCoracina azurea
FamilyCoracidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)23
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsAdults are uniformly glossy dark blue, which can appear almost black in poor lighting conditions. Females are similar to males but may exhibit a slightly duller blue coloration.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of soft, high-pitched whistles, often described as a 'whee-oo' sound, and other subtle, melodious notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is found across West and Central Africa, with its range extending from Sierra Leone eastward to Uganda and southward into Angola.
Identifying FeaturesUniform glossy dark blue plumage, Medium-sized body, Dark bill and legs, Prefers forest canopy
Description
The Blue Cuckooshrike is a medium-sized forest bird characterized by its entirely glossy dark blue plumage. It typically inhabits the canopy of tropical forests, moving deliberately through the branches, often in mixed-species foraging flocks.
