Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo

Overview

The Philippine hawk-cuckoo (Hierococcyx pectoralis) is a medium-sized bird belonging to the cuckoo family, found exclusively in the Philippines. It is an uncommon and shy species that was formerly considered a subspecies of Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo before being recognised as a distinct species based on vocal differences.

Identification

• Medium-sized cuckoo measuring approximately 29 cm in length.
• Adults feature dark-grey upperparts and white underparts with a pale rufous breast and upper belly.
• Tail displays three or four black and buff bars, a broad black band near the tip, and a pale rufous tip.
• Possesses a black and olive bill with a bare yellow ring around the eye and yellow legs and feet.
• Call consists of a high-pitched series of five to seven notes lasting about 1.5 seconds, repeated up to ten times while increasing in speed and volume.

Habitat

This species is native to most of the larger islands of the Philippines, where it inhabits forest and forest edge environments up to 2,300 metres above sea level. It is typically an uncommon and elusive bird that is difficult to observe in the wild.

Diet

An insectivore that primarily feeds on caterpillars, it also consumes fruits and berries. Foraging behaviour involves ranging from near the ground up to the treetops within its forest habitat.

Did you know?

Like most cuckoos, the Philippine hawk-cuckoo is a brood parasite, although its specific host species remain unknown. Its breeding season commences in April, but there is very little information available regarding its nesting habits.