Levaillant's Cuckoo
NameLevaillant's Cuckoo
Common NameLevaillant's Cuckoo
Scientific NameClamator levaillantii
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)40
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)100
Plumage DetailsAdults have a glossy black head with a prominent crest, black upperparts, and a long, graduated black tail. The underparts are white with heavy black barring, particularly on the breast and flanks. There are white spots on the primary feathers, visible in flight. The bill is black, and the legs are grey.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a series of loud, ringing 'klee-klee-klee' notes, often accelerating and becoming more excited, sometimes described as a 'klee-klee-klee-klee-klo-klo-klo'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia and south to Angola, northern Botswana, and eastern South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesProminent black crest, Bold black and white barring on underparts, Glossy black upperparts, White spots on primary feathers, Long, graduated tail
Description
Levaillant's Cuckoo is a striking medium-sized cuckoo characterized by its prominent black crest and bold black and white barring on its underparts. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly babblers.
