Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo
NamePuerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo
Common NamePuerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo
Scientific NameCoccyzus vieilloti
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)52.5
Length (cm)44
Weight (g)110
Plumage DetailsThis cuckoo has dull brown upperparts and a rufous-brown belly. Its most striking feature is a very long, graduated tail, dark brown to black with broad white tips on the outer feathers. It has a distinctive reddish-orange eye-ring and a pale, slightly decurved bill.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a distinctive, often repeated series of 'ka-ka-ka-ka-kow' or 'kow-kow-kow' notes, which can be quite loud and resonant.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the island of Puerto Rico, where it is found throughout suitable forested habitats.
Identifying FeaturesLong graduated tail with black and white tips, Reddish-orange eye-ring, Dull brown upperparts, Rufous-brown belly, Pale, slightly decurved bill
Description
The Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo is a medium-sized cuckoo endemic to Puerto Rico, characterized by its long, graduated tail. It is an active and often elusive bird, primarily found foraging for lizards and large insects within the forest canopy.
