Diederik Cuckoo

Overview

The Diederik Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius) is a smallish cuckoo species belonging to the family Cuculidae. It is a common resident breeder and short-distance seasonal migrant that moves with the rains, classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Size: Smallish, measuring 18 to 20 cm in length.
• Plumage: Adult males are glossy green above with copper-sheened areas on the back and whitish underparts; females show more copper above with coppery barring on the flanks.
• Markings: Males feature a broken white eye-stripe and a short, green malar stripe, with white spots on the inner vanes of all remiges.
• Song: A persistent and loud call sounding like 'deed-deed-deed-deed-er-ick', consisting of four clear notes followed by a short twitter.

Habitat

Found in open woodland, savanna, and riverside bushes across Sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is a solitary bird and has been recorded as far north as Cyprus. The species is a short-distance seasonal migrant that follows the rainy seasons.

Diet

The bird feeds on a variety of insects and insect larvae.

Did you know?

The common name 'diederik' is derived from the Afrikaans word 'diedrik', which serves as an onomatopoeic rendition of the bird's distinctive call.