Ground Cuckooshrike — Australian Bird Identification Guide

Bird guideGround Cuckooshrike

The white-bellied cuckoo-shrike ( Coracina papuensis ) is uncommon and only occurring in the northern parts of the Northern Territory, as well as most of Queensland, Victoria and eastern New South Wales.

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⚠️NT: Endangered

🌿Endemic to Australia

At a glance

FamilyCuckooshrikes

SizeMedium

RarityCommon

HabitatThe ground cuckoo-shrike ( Coracina maxima ) is an uncommon bird species endemic to Australia , occurring mainly in open woodland and arid grasslands throughout inland Australia, but also occasionally in areas on the east coast.

Best timeReported across most months in Queensland, with no narrow seasonal peak.

Sounds

Sound sample

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Recorded by Zebedee Muller

Range map

Occurrence window

2361visible hotspots

7011visible records

5states

Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Very long tail. Juvenile finely barred above. Calls include a loud, piercing whistle and chattering.

Behavior

This species struts around in open arid and semi-arid regions in small parties or perches high in dead trees. Sometimes mistaken for Australian Magpie from a great distance, a species that also perches in snags.

Gallery