Least Concern

A small to medium-sized bird, about 13–15 cm in length. It has ashy-grey upperparts, white underparts with faint streaking, a dark mask through the eye, and a short, hooked bill typical of woodshrikes. Both sexes look similar.

A resident species, endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Does not undertake long-distance migration.

Non-migratory, though may make local movements between forest patches in search of food.

Breeds mainly from February to June. The nest is a neat cup made of grass, bark strips, and cobwebs, usually placed on a high horizontal branch. Clutch size is typically 2–3 eggs.

Prefers evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, often in tall trees along forest edges and clearings.

Found in forested hills, wooded slopes, plantations, and secondary growth. Usually seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes joining mixed hunting flocks. Often perches high while scanning for insects.

Feeds mainly on insects and small arthropods, such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Hunts by sallying from perches or gleaning insects from leaves and branches.