Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo
NameHorsfield's Bronze Cuckoo
Common NameHorsfield's Bronze Cuckoo
Scientific NameChalcites basalis
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)22
Plumage DetailsAdults have iridescent bronze-green upperparts, a rufous-brown crown, a dark eye-stripe, and white underparts with fine dark barring on the flanks. The tail is dark with white spots on the outer feathers, and the bill is slender and black.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, mournful, descending whistle, often described as 'pee-err' or 'fie-er'. It can also produce a series of rising 'tsee-tsee-tsee' notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, desert, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across mainland Australia, Tasmania, and parts of New Guinea and Indonesia. It is migratory in some parts of its range, moving north during winter.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Iridescent bronze-green back, Rufous-brown crown, Dark eye-stripe, Barred flanks, Descending whistle call, Slender black bill
Description
This small cuckoo is known for its iridescent bronze-green upperparts and distinctive call. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other small passerine birds. It typically forages for insects in trees and shrubs.
