A thrush-sized songbird. Male is entirely glossy-black, while distinctive female has a gray head, a brown back, and a buff underside with extensive barring. Singles, pairs, or small groups inhabit the canopy of forests, edges, and woodlands, from lowlands into foothills. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Differs from Black-faced Cuckooshrike in lacking a clearly demarcated black face. Male is smaller and slimmer-billed than Wallacean Cuckooshrike. Song is a low, three-note rasping “gek-grrrt-grrrt.” Also gives a high-pitched “whit” call.