Cacomantis passerinus
The Grey-bellied Cuckoo, scientifically known as *Cacomantis passerinus*, is a small, slender cuckoo native to the Indian Subcontinent, renowned for its melancholic calls that belie its rather secretive nature. Measuring approximately 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) in length and weighing around 30-40g, adults exhibit a striking ash-grey head, throat, and upperparts, contrasting sharply with clean whitish underparts and a distinctive yellowish vent. Key field marks include its slender build, dark eye-s...
Found in open woodlands, scrublands, orchards, gardens, and urban parks, typically in lowlands up to elevations of about 1800 meters.
Feeds predominantly on insects, particularly caterpillars (including hairy ones often avoided by other birds), and occasionally small fruits. Forages by gleaning from leaves and branches.
Primarily diurnal, the Grey-bellied Cuckoo is often heard more than seen, maintaining a somewhat secretive demeanor despite its conspicuous vocalizations. Foraging involves gleaning insects, especially caterpillars, from foliage, often at mid-canopy levels, though it may occasionally make aerial ...
The Grey-bellied Cuckoo (*Cacomantis passerinus*) is primarily distributed across the Indian Subcontinent. Its breeding range extends throughout most of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and eastern Pakistan, reaching up to the lower Himalayan foothills. Populations in southern India and Sri Lank...
Least Concern
- The Grey-bellied Cuckoo is a classic brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of over 50 known host species, primarily small passerines like Prinias, Warblers, and Munias. - Despite its common name, its calls are often described as far from 'grey' or dull, instead being quite 'plaintive' or...