Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo
NameDusky Long-tailed Cuckoo
Common NameDusky Long-tailed Cuckoo
Scientific NameCercococcyx mechowi
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)42
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark olive-brown, sometimes with a rufous wash on the wings. The underparts are whitish to buff, heavily barred and streaked with dark brown or black, particularly on the breast and flanks. It has a dark eye-stripe and a pale supercilium, and the long tail is barred.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive, mournful, descending series of whistles or hoots, often described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone east to Uganda and south through parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Angola.
Identifying FeaturesLong, graduated tail, Heavily streaked underparts, Dark olive-brown upperparts, Shy, skulking behavior in forest undergrowth, Mournful, descending whistle call
Description
This shy, medium-sized cuckoo is characterized by its long, graduated tail and streaked underparts. It typically forages in the dense undergrowth of lowland rainforests, often remaining hidden from view. Its presence is more often revealed by its distinctive, mournful call.
