Great Lizard-Cuckoo
NameGreat Lizard-Cuckoo
Common NameGreat Lizard-Cuckoo
Scientific NameCoccyzus merlini
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)45
Length (cm)52
Weight (g)175
Plumage DetailsThe head and neck are grey, transitioning to brownish-grey on the back and wings. The flanks and underwing coverts are a distinctive rufous (reddish-brown). The belly is whitish to buff. It has a long, dark brown tail with white tips on the outer feathers and a prominent red orbital ring around its dark eye. The bill is long, stout, and greyish.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a series of guttural, often accelerating 'ka-ka-ka-ka-kow-kow-kow' notes, sometimes ending in a drawn-out 'coo-coo'. It can also produce a rapid, chattering call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Cuba and its adjacent islands, where it inhabits dry forests, scrublands, and dense thickets.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size and very long tail, Grey head and neck, Prominent rufous (reddish-brown) flanks, Red orbital ring around the eye, Long, stout, slightly decurved grey bill, White tips on outer tail feathers
Description
The Great Lizard-Cuckoo is a large, long-tailed cuckoo endemic to Cuba, characterized by its grey head, rufous flanks, and striking red eye-ring. It is an agile predator, primarily feeding on lizards and large insects in dense forest habitats.
