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gemfyreThis is a special short edition of birding lessons (which I meant to post before I went to Mt. Gibson). I couldn't figure out where else I'd write about this guy, but it needs mentioning because it's actually quite common once you start looking.
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike - Coracina novaehollandiae
Photo by Aussietrev of Birdforum
The Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (often referred to as a BFCS or "Bifcus" among birders) is neither a cuckoo or a shrike. Just like our Australian Robins aren't like European or American robins and our wrens aren't the same as British or American wrens. I find these guys are more common at certain times of the year, but they're always around.
So, what to look for?
- Soft grey plumage with black tips to the wings, a paler underside and a fully black face. Juvenilles just have a black mask across their eyes.
- Distinctive dipping flight. As Cuckoo-shrikes fly they will stick their wings out and flap briefly, then fold their wings back and bullet along for a bit until they have lost enough height to warrant flapping a few times again. This uses less energy than constant flapping.
- When they alight on a perch they will shuffle their wings about - this gave rise to their nickname "Shufflewing".
They have a curious creaky call when they're talking to nearby Cuckoo-shrikes and a shrill wavering call as they fly. Keep an eye out for the cuckoo-shrike on power lines next time you're driving around town.
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike - Coracina novaehollandiae
Photo by Aussietrev of Birdforum
The Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (often referred to as a BFCS or "Bifcus" among birders) is neither a cuckoo or a shrike. Just like our Australian Robins aren't like European or American robins and our wrens aren't the same as British or American wrens. I find these guys are more common at certain times of the year, but they're always around.
So, what to look for?
- Soft grey plumage with black tips to the wings, a paler underside and a fully black face. Juvenilles just have a black mask across their eyes.
- Distinctive dipping flight. As Cuckoo-shrikes fly they will stick their wings out and flap briefly, then fold their wings back and bullet along for a bit until they have lost enough height to warrant flapping a few times again. This uses less energy than constant flapping.
- When they alight on a perch they will shuffle their wings about - this gave rise to their nickname "Shufflewing".
They have a curious creaky call when they're talking to nearby Cuckoo-shrikes and a shrill wavering call as they fly. Keep an eye out for the cuckoo-shrike on power lines next time you're driving around town.
