Yellow-billed Cuckoo
NameYellow-billed Cuckoo
Common NameYellow-billed Cuckoo
Scientific NameCoccyzus americanus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)40.5
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are brownish-gray, underparts are white. The primary flight feathers show rufous patches, especially visible in flight. The tail is long with large white spots on the underside of the outer tail feathers.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, rhythmic series of 'kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk-kowp-kowp-kowp' notes, often accelerating and then slowing down, sometimes described as sounding like 'rain crow'.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across eastern and central North America, extending west to parts of the Great Plains and California. Winters in South America, primarily in the Amazon basin.
Identifying Featuresyellow lower mandible, rufous primary flight feathers (visible in flight), long tail with large white spots on outer tail feathers, slender body, brownish-gray upperparts and white underparts
Description
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a slender, medium-sized bird often heard more than seen, known for its distinctive call. It is an agile hunter, primarily feeding on large insects, especially caterpillars, in dense foliage.
