Purple-throated Cuckooshrike

Medium-sized greenish bird with a bright yellow underside and black head. Occurs in a variety of habitats, wherever there are trees, including forest, open woodlands, and gardens, in the lowlands and foothills. Usually encountered in pairs or small groups. Yellow throat and lack of black in the wing separates this species from Black-hooded Oriole. Unmarked, black head identifies Black-capped Bulbul from Yellow-eared and Yellow-browed Bulbuls. Song is series of warbling whistles, rising at the end, “wet-wet-wet-wer-wer-wer-weer.” Also gives churring calls.

Found in woodland, heathland, farmland with hedges, marshes with scattered bushes. "COO-koo" song (like a cuckoo clock) often given from open perch. Note long wings and tail, barred belly, rather small bill. Flight direct and often low, suggesting a hawk or falcon. Extremely similar in appearance to various other Cuculus cuckoos across its range; note the combination of white vent, staring yellow irises, and overall large size. Lays eggs in nests of other birds, particularly pipits and reed warblers, which raise the young cuckoos.

Small cuckooshrike with a restricted range in the Bismark Archipelago. Males are mainly gray with black on the face, wing, and tail. Female varies geographically, from rufous-brown with paler unmarked underparts, to brown on the back, with a gray cap, and barred rufous-buff underparts. Found in forest, forest edge, and secondary forest habitats at low and middle elevations. Vocalizations poorly known, but include shorter series of upslurred nasal notes and very long series of downslurred notes.