Diederik Cuckoo
NameDiederik Cuckoo
Common NameDiederik Cuckoo
Scientific NameChrysococcyx caprius
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)34
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsMales have iridescent metallic green upperparts, head, and breast sides, with a prominent white supercilium and a white belly. The eye is bright red. Females are duller, often bronzy-green, with more spotting on the flanks and a less distinct supercilium.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, repetitive and melancholic 'dee-dee-dee-derik' or 'diederik-diederik-diederik', which gives the bird its common name.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, and also found in parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It is a migratory species in many parts of its range.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent metallic green plumage, Bright red eye, Prominent white supercilium, White belly, Distinctive 'diederik' call
Description
The Diederik Cuckoo is a small, iridescent green cuckoo with a striking red eye and white underparts. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly weavers and sparrows.
