Madagascar Cuckoo
NameMadagascar Cuckoo
Common NameMadagascar Cuckoo
Scientific NameCuculus rochii
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)48
Length (cm)28
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsAdults have a grey head, nape, and upperparts, contrasting with a white throat and upper breast. The lower breast and belly are white with distinct dark barring. The tail is dark with white spots on the outer feathers, and it has a prominent yellow eye-ring.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is typically a series of soft, mournful 'hoo-hoo-hoo' notes, often descending in pitch, or a repeated 'koo-koo' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Madagascar, where it breeds. During the non-breeding season, it migrates to eastern Africa, including countries like Kenya and Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesGrey upperparts, Barred white underparts, Yellow eye-ring, Slender body shape, Distinctive 'hoo-hoo' call
Description
The Madagascar Cuckoo is a medium-sized cuckoo with a slender build, characterized by its grey upperparts and barred underparts. It is an insectivorous bird, often seen foraging for caterpillars in the canopy of forests and woodlands. Like many cuckoos, it is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species.
