Sometimes thought to form a superspecies with Blue Cuckooshrike (Cyanograucalus azureus). Relatively fine bill and colour of upperparts suggest possible link with Madagascar Cuckooshrike (Ceblepyris cinereus) of Madagascar and with Asiatic group comprising Black-winged Cuckooshrike (Lalage melaschistos), Lesser Cuckooshrike (Lalage fimbriata) and Black-headed Cuckooshrike (Lalage melanoptera). References See References.