Violet Cuckoo
NameViolet Cuckoo
Common NameViolet Cuckoo
Scientific NameChrysococcyx xanthorhynchus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)27
Length (cm)16.5
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsMales have glossy violet-purple upperparts, head, and breast, contrasting with a white belly and flanks that are barred with dark purple. They possess a bright orange-yellow bill and a prominent red eye-ring. Females are duller, with bronze-green upperparts and a more extensively barred breast.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive, high-pitched, whistling 'pee-pee-pee-pee-pee' or 'tew-tew-tew' call, often repeated rapidly.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is found across Southeast Asia, including parts of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines.
Identifying Featuresglossy violet-purple plumage (male), bright orange-yellow bill, red eye-ring, small size, barred flanks (male)
Description
The Violet Cuckoo is a small, iridescent cuckoo species, with males displaying striking glossy violet-purple plumage. It is an arboreal bird, typically found in the canopy of tropical and subtropical forests, known for its brood parasitic breeding behavior.
