A medium-sized cuckooshrike from Halmahera with an entirely dark slate-gray body and a black face and throat. Singles and pairs occur within forest, principally in the foothills, but also in the lowlands. The species lacks the pale fringing on the wing feathers and pale spots on the undertail of Common Cicadabird, and further differs in its black throat. Much smaller, smaller-billed, and darker than Stout-billed Cuckooshrike. Gives a harsh, chattering “chit-it-it-it-it” song, characteristic of many cuckooshrikes.