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WILDLIFE IN FOCUS

Black Faced Cuckoo Shrike Coracina novaehollandiae

It’s funny that some birds live in our urban areas but we don’t know that they’re there.

Mainly because they’re not aggressive, a bit on the quiet side and don’t pick up leftovers from the barbecue.

But there they are all the same, living quietly amongst us.

I'm talking with Dr Holly Parsons, Manager of Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net

That was Dr Holly Parsons, Manager of Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net



Black Faced Cuckoo Shrike photo Birds in Backyards



So Cuckoo-shrikes are neither cuckoos nor shrikes, but are called that because their feathers have similar patterns to those of cuckoos and their beak shape resembles that of shrikes?

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes have a black face and throat, blue-grey back, wings and tail, and white underparts.

These Shufflewings or Black Faced Cuckoo Shrieks forage in trees, and sometimes over open paddocks, for caterpillars, other insects, and occasionally fruit.

They fly from tree to tree, often landing on a prominent perch  which gives them a vantage pointfrom where they can pounce on their prey.

The Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike is found many suburbs, where these birds are often seen perched on overhead wires or television aerials.

If you have any questions about the Black Faced cuckoo shrike or any other bird or have some information to share, drop us a line to realworldgardener@gmail.com or write in to 2RRR PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675