Mangrove Cuckoo
NameMangrove Cuckoo
Common NameMangrove Cuckoo
Scientific NameCoccyzus minor
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)65
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are grayish-brown, contrasting with warm buffy underparts. A distinctive black mask extends from the bill through the eye. The long tail is dark with prominent white spots on the undertail feathers.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a guttural, often rapid series of 'gawk-gawk-gawk' or 'ga-ga-ga-ga-ga-gowlp-gowlp' notes, sometimes described as a throaty, clucking sound.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in coastal southern Florida, throughout the Caribbean islands, and along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Central and northern South America.
Identifying Featuresblack mask through eye, buffy underparts, grayish-brown upperparts, long tail with white spots on undertail, slender body shape
Description
The Mangrove Cuckoo is a medium-sized, slender bird typically found in coastal and mangrove habitats. It is known for its secretive nature, often perching motionless and blending into the dense foliage. This species primarily feeds on insects, especially caterpillars.
