Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes are common birds native to Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. They are widely distributed in almost any wooded habitat except rainforests, but they can also occur in urban areas. They are heard more often than seen. Their call, often in flight, is a musical chirr. Their diet consists of insects, caterpillars or other invertebrates. These may be caught in flight, or when searching through the foliage. Some fruits and seeds are also eaten.

Both partners build the rather small nest of fine twigs and spiders’ webs, in which are laid 2 to 3 greenish, blotched and spotted eggs. Some indigenous people used to clip their wings and keep them as pets.

Size: 32 - 34 cm

Illustration: Mark Trinham.