Pied Bronze Cuckoo
NamePied Bronze Cuckoo
Common NamePied Bronze Cuckoo
Scientific NameChalcites osculans
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)26.5
Length (cm)17.5
Weight (g)24
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark brown to blackish cap and upperparts, which can sometimes show a faint bronzy-green sheen in good light. The underparts are pure white, often with fine white streaking or barring on the flanks. A prominent red eye-ring encircles a dark eye, and the bill is slender and dark.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, mournful, descending whistle, often rendered as "pee-ooh" or "pee-ooo-wee," which is repeated.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Australia, found across much of the continent, particularly in the drier interior and southern regions. It is migratory in some parts of its range.
Identifying Featuresdark cap, dark upperparts, white underparts, red eye-ring, white streaking on flanks, small size
Description
A small, striking cuckoo characterized by its dark cap and upperparts contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. It possesses a distinctive red eye-ring and often shows white streaking on its flanks. This species is known for its brood parasitic behavior.
