Himalayan Cuckoo
NameHimalayan Cuckoo
Common NameHimalayan Cuckoo
Scientific NameCuculus saturatus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)51.5
Length (cm)31
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a slate-grey head, throat, and upper breast, contrasting with a white belly that is heavily barred with dark grey or black. The back and wings are dark grey, and the dark tail features white spots on the outer feathers and a white tip. It has a prominent yellow eye-ring and a yellowish base to the bill.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive, often repeated four-note whistle, typically described as 'hoo-hoo-hooo' or 'ko-ko-ko-ko', which can be heard frequently during the breeding season.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in the Himalayas and mountainous regions of Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. It migrates south to winter in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Identifying FeaturesSlate-grey head and upper breast, Heavily barred white underparts, Yellow eye-ring, Dark tail with white spots and tip, Distinctive four-note whistling call
Description
The Himalayan Cuckoo is a medium-sized cuckoo species characterized by its grey head and barred underparts. It is an arboreal bird, typically found in forested habitats, and is known for its brood parasitic breeding strategy.
