Indian cuckoo

Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) is a species of cuckoo that is widespread across Asia. It is known for its distinctive call, which has made it a bird of interest in many cultures. The Indian Cuckoo is a brood parasite, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species.

Description

The Indian Cuckoo is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 33 to 36 cm in length. It has a greyish plumage with a slightly paler underbelly. The tail is long and has white spots on the underside. Both sexes look similar, but juveniles can be distinguished by their rufous coloring and barred underparts.

Distribution and Habitat

The Indian Cuckoo is found throughout Asia, from the eastern regions of Russia and Siberia, across to China, and southwards to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It prefers dense forests and woodland areas, both in the lowlands and up to moderate elevations in the hills.

Behavior

Feeding

The diet of the Indian Cuckoo primarily consists of insects, with a particular preference for caterpillars. They are also known to eat small vertebrates and eggs.

Breeding

As a brood parasite, the Indian Cuckoo does not build its own nest. Instead, it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, such as drongos and crows. The cuckoo egg hatches earlier than the host's eggs, and the cuckoo chick often ejects the host's eggs or chicks from the nest to monopolize the food provided by the unsuspecting host parents.

Vocalization

The call of the Indian Cuckoo is a distinctive four-note "cu-coo-cu-coo", which has been interpreted in various cultures. It is most often heard during the breeding season, which spans from April to June.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List currently lists the Indian Cuckoo as Least Concern (LC). While the species is widespread and relatively common, it faces threats from habitat destruction and degradation.

Cultural Significance

In many parts of its range, the Indian Cuckoo is associated with the arrival of the monsoon season. Its call is considered by some cultures to herald rain and is often celebrated in poetry and song.

See Also

• Cuckoo
• Brood parasitism
• Bird migration