Moustached Hawk-Cuckoo
NameMoustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Common NameMoustached Hawk-Cuckoo
Scientific NameHierococcyx pectoralis
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)48
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)95
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark grey-brown. The head features a black crown, a prominent white supercilium, and a distinctive black 'moustache' stripe extending from below the eye. The eye-ring is bright yellow. Underparts are whitish with dark streaking on the breast and flanks. The tail is barred dark brown and rufous-buff.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive, often repeated, loud, whistled call, typically a series of 'pi-pi-pi-pew' or 'ko-ko-ko-ko-ko-weep' notes, which can sound mournful or insistent.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Southeast Asia, including parts of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and the Philippines.
Identifying Featuresblack moustache stripe, yellow eye-ring, barred tail, dark grey-brown upperparts, streaked underparts
Description
This medium-sized cuckoo is often found in dense broadleaf evergreen forests, where its cryptic plumage helps it blend in. It is known for its brood parasitic behavior, laying eggs in the nests of other bird species. It typically perches quietly within the canopy, making it difficult to spot.
