Hodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo
NameHodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo
Common NameHodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo
Scientific NameHierococcyx nisicolor
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark slate-grey upperparts, head, and throat. The breast and flanks are rufous-brown, often mottled, transitioning to a white belly and undertail-coverts. They have a prominent yellow orbital ring around the eye, a dark bill with a yellowish base, and yellow legs.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, loud, clear, and often repeated ascending whistle, typically described as 'pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pew' or 'wee-we-we-we-we-we-we-whoo'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across the Himalayas, northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, southern China, and Southeast Asia. It winters in parts of Southeast Asia and the Greater Sundas.
Identifying FeaturesHawk-like posture and appearance, Dark grey upperparts with rufous breast, Prominent yellow eye-ring, Loud, ascending whistling call, Yellow legs and feet
Description
A medium-sized cuckoo with dark grey upperparts, a rufous breast, and a white belly. It is often found in dense forest habitats where it can be difficult to spot, typically perching upright.
