Small, slim cuckooshrike in which males and females are strikingly different. Males are almost completely black with an odd pale patch at the base of the bill; some have a yellow shoulder Females are gray on the back and pale below, with heavy markings throughout. Partially migratory and found in a variety of woodland and savanna habitats. Quiet and unobtrusive. Often found in pairs. Call is an incredibly dry, high-pitched trill. Male separated from male Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike by its black or yellow rather than red shoulder. Females are very similar, but female Black Cuckooshrike has a mostly pale undertail and a greenish back.