Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina novaehollandia

Cuckoo-shrikes are neither cuckoos nor shrikes, but are so called becaues their feathers have similar patterns to those of cuckoos and their beak shape resembles that of shrikes.

(This is a delayed Hallowe'en shot with this bird wearing a black mask!)

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes have a black face and throat, blue-grey back, wings and tail, and white underparts. They are slender, attractive birds. They have a curious habit of shuffling their wings upon landing, a practice that gave rise to the name "Shufflewing", which is often used for this species.

This shuffling is also carried out by most other species in this family. Size: 32cm to 34cm and average weight is 112g

Clearer profile.

The Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike is widespread and common. Outside the breeding season, large family groups and flocks of up to a hundred birds regularly form.

This bird is found in almost any wooded habitat, with the exception of rainforests. It is also familiar in many suburbs, where birds are often seen perched on overhead wires or television aerials.