A large, fairly long-tailed bird of montane forest canopy. Pale gray plumage with black flight feathers and tail. Male has a full black hood and upper chest, while the female has just a black face and throat. Similar to Black-faced Cuckooshrike but should be separated by habitat and elevation. Voice, repeated, loud, downslurred, grating calls “gerrr! gerrr! gerrr!” somewhat reminiscent of a Blue Jay.