Coccyzus longirostris
The Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo, *Coccyzus longirostris*, is a striking medium-sized cuckoo, measuring about 40-46 cm (16-18 inches) in length, endemic to the island of Hispaniola. Its elegant appearance features slate-gray upperparts, pristine white underparts, and a distinct dark mask extending from the bill through the eye, often accented by a pale supercilium. A notable field mark is its long, graduated tail, which is dark with broad white tips on the undertail feathers, frequently fanned i...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical dry and moist lowland forests, extending into montane forests and even plantations. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth and a good canopy, typically found from sea level up to around 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) elevation.
Its diet primarily consists of lizards, particularly anoles, supplemented by large insects such as grasshoppers, mantises, and stick insects. It forages by gleaning prey from vegetation and making short, targeted ambushes.
The Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo is a largely diurnal, solitary, and notoriously secretive bird, often remaining hidden within dense foliage. Its foraging strategy involves stealthy, deliberate movements, gleaning prey from branches and foliage, often punctuated by short, direct flights. They are hi...
The Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo is strictly endemic to the island of Hispaniola, which comprises the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It is a non-migratory resident throughout its range, occupying a variety of forested habitats from coastal lowlands to higher elevations. It can be found across both na...
Least Concern
- The Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo is one of only two cuckoo species endemic to the Caribbean, the other being the Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo. - Unlike the infamous Old World cuckoos, this species builds its own nest and raises its own young, exhibiting diligent parental care. - Its specialized diet...