Klaas's Cuckoo
NameKlaas's Cuckoo
Common NameKlaas's Cuckoo
Scientific NameChrysococcyx klaas
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsMales have iridescent metallic green plumage on the crown, nape, back, and wings, often with some white spotting on the wing coverts. The underparts, from the throat to the undertail coverts, are pure white. A dark eye-stripe extends through the eye, contrasting with the white face and throat. Females are duller, typically bronze-green above with some barring on the flanks.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, clear, whistling call, often rendered as 'klaas-klaas-klaas' or 'klas-klas-klas', which is repeated several times.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west, east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south through East Africa to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent metallic green upperparts (male), Pure white underparts, Small size, Dark eye-stripe, Distinctive 'klaas-klaas' call
Description
Klaas's Cuckoo is a small, iridescent cuckoo species found across sub-Saharan Africa. Males are characterized by brilliant metallic green upperparts and clean white underparts, while females are duller. They are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species.
