Mexican Squirrel-Cuckoo
NameMexican Squirrel-Cuckoo
Common NameMexican Squirrel-Cuckoo
Scientific NamePiaya mexicana
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)41.5
Length (cm)43
Weight (g)105
Plumage DetailsThe head, back, and wings are a rich rufous-chestnut. The throat and breast are pale buffy-white, transitioning to a darker rufous on the belly. The long, graduated tail is dark brown to black with broad white tips on the outer rectrices, creating a striking barred pattern. The bill is greenish-yellow.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of rapid, accelerating 'kip' or 'kik' notes that often speed up into a trill, as well as softer coos and whistles.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Mexico, found on both the Pacific and Gulf slopes, from Sinaloa south to Oaxaca on the Pacific side, and from southern Tamaulipas south to northern Oaxaca and Veracruz on the Gulf side.
Identifying Featuresrufous upperparts, pale buffy-white throat and breast, very long graduated tail with black and white barring, greenish-yellow bill
Description
This medium-sized cuckoo is characterized by its rufous upperparts, pale underparts, and a very long, graduated tail with distinctive black and white barring. It is an active bird, often seen moving through dense foliage in its forest and woodland habitats.
