African Cuckoo
NameAfrican Cuckoo
Common NameAfrican Cuckoo
Scientific NameCuculus gularis
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)52.5
Length (cm)31.5
Weight (g)105
Plumage DetailsMales have slate-grey upperparts, head, and breast. The belly and flanks are white with prominent dark grey barring. The undertail coverts are white. They possess a distinctive yellow eye-ring and a yellow base to the bill. Females are similar but may sometimes show a rufous wash on the breast.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, resonant four-note call, often transcribed as 'hoo-hoo-hooo' or 'koo-koo-koo-koo', which is a characteristic sound of its habitat.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across sub-Saharan Africa, primarily as a breeding migrant to central and southern Africa, moving north during the non-breeding season.
Identifying FeaturesGrey upperparts and head, White underparts with dark barring, Yellow eye-ring, Yellow bill base, Distinctive 'hoo-hoo-hooo' call
Description
The African Cuckoo is a medium-sized cuckoo characterized by its grey upperparts and barred underparts. It is an intra-African migrant and a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species.
