Coracina

bird genus

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

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The genus Coracina, also known as cuckoo-shrikes, belongs to the family Campephagidae and is found from Africa to the Pacific islands. These birds are characterized by gray plumage, often with barring or a shrike-like mask, and are sometimes called graybirds. One notable species is the large cuckoo-shrike (C. novaehollandiae), which measures about 30 cm (12 inches) and is found in Australasia.1

The term "coraciiform" refers to an order of birds that includes kingfishers and their allies. These birds likely originated in the Old World and spread across various regions, including Africa, Eurasia, and Australia. Distinguishing features of coraciiform birds include the size and shape of their beak, wings, and the fusion of their toes. This diverse order encompasses families such as kingfishers, rollers, bee-eaters, hoopoes, and hornbills.234

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cuckoo-shrike
In the genus Coracina (including Edolisoma), found from Africa to Pacific islands, the plumage is gray, often with cuckoolike barring or a shrikelike mask (sexes similar); many of the 41 species are known as graybirds. An example is the large, or black-faced, cuckoo-shrike (C. novaehollandiae), about 30 cm…
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In the genus Coracina (including Edolisoma), found from Africa to Pacific islands, the plumage is gray, often with cuckoolike barring or a shrikelike mask (sexes similar); many of the 41 species are known as graybirds. An example is the large, or black-faced, cuckoo-shrike (C. novaehollandiae), about 30 cm…
Read More