Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo
NameOlive Long-tailed Cuckoo
Common NameOlive Long-tailed Cuckoo
Scientific NameCercococcyx olivinus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)31.5
Weight (g)65
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark olive-brown, with a slightly greyer head and nape. Underparts are whitish with prominent dark barring, particularly on the flanks and belly. The long dark tail features white spots or bars on the outer feathers.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a distinctive, mournful, descending series of whistles, often rendered as 'hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'pee-pee-pee-pee-pee-peeeuuu'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeOccurs in West and Central Africa, ranging from Sierra Leone eastward through countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo, to Uganda and southward into Angola.
Identifying Featureslong tail with white spots/bars, olive-brown upperparts, heavily barred underparts, secretive forest behavior, mournful descending whistle call
Description
This secretive cuckoo is characterized by its olive-brown upperparts and heavily barred underparts. It inhabits the dense understory of forests in West and Central Africa, where it forages primarily for insects.
