Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo
NameHispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo
Common NameHispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo
Scientific NameCoccyzus longirostris
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)40.5
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are slate-gray, contrasting with a pale gray throat and breast. The belly and flanks are a distinctive buffy-rufous. It has a prominent red orbital ring around its dark eyes and a dark, slightly decurved bill. The long, dark tail features white tips on the undertail feathers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of guttural, often accelerating 'ka-ka-ka-ka-kow' or 'gwa-gwa-gwa' calls, which may sometimes end in a longer 'kow' note.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Hispaniola, encompassing both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as well as its associated satellite islands like Gonâve Island.
Identifying FeaturesLong, slender body and tail, Slate-gray upperparts, Pale gray throat and breast with rufous belly/flanks, Prominent red eye-ring, Dark, slightly decurved bill, White tips on undertail feathers
Description
The Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo is a medium-sized cuckoo endemic to Hispaniola, characterized by its long tail and distinctive red eye-ring. It is an active arboreal predator, primarily foraging for lizards and large insects within the dense forest canopy.
