Thick-billed Cuckoo
NameThick-billed Cuckoo
Common NameThick-billed Cuckoo
Scientific NamePachycoccyx audeberti
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)34.5
Weight (g)125
Plumage DetailsAdults have a grey head, nape, and upper breast, contrasting with a white lower breast and belly. The back, wings, and rump are dark grey-brown, and the tail is dark with prominent white barring, especially on the outer feathers. It has a distinctive thick, yellowish bill and a yellow eye-ring with a yellow iris.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a loud, ringing series of 'ko-ko-ko-ko' or 'kwe-kwe-kwe-kwe' notes that often accelerate and then fade, sometimes described as a 'laughing' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa through Central and East Africa, extending south to parts of Southern Africa.
Identifying FeaturesThick, yellowish bill, Grey head and upper breast, White lower breast and belly, Dark back and wings, Barred tail with white markings, Yellow eye-ring and iris
Description
The Thick-billed Cuckoo is a large cuckoo species characterized by its robust, yellowish bill. It is an obligate brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, primarily shrikes.
