Large Hawk-Cuckoo

Overview

The large hawk-cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae found across temperate and tropical regions of Asia. It is a brood-parasite that targets babblers and laughing-thrushes for nesting, though its status remains Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Somewhat larger than the common hawk-cuckoo, with a distinctive black patch on the chin that allows for ready differentiation between adults. - Possesses a loud and repetitive call similar to the common hawk-cuckoo, but lacking the rising crescendo.

Habitat

This species inhabits temperate forests as well as subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. Its breeding range spans from temperate Asia along the Himalayas to East Asia, including countries such as India, China, and Thailand, with many populations wintering further south.

Did you know?

In its winter grounds, this species tends to be silent, whereas in summer its calling continues well after dusk. Additionally, some host species, such as the Pterorhinus sannio, are capable of detecting and removing the cuckoo's mimicked eggs.