Cuculus poliocephalus
The Lesser Cuckoo, *Cuculus poliocephalus*, is a small and elusive cuckoo, measuring approximately 25-28 cm in length and weighing between 45-70 grams. Adults typically exhibit a slate-grey head, throat, and upperparts, contrasting sharply with a whitish belly marked by distinctive rufous-brown barring on the flanks and breast. A striking yellow eye-ring is a key field mark, along with its short, black bill and yellowish legs. While males and females are largely similar, some females may disp...
This species primarily inhabits dense montane and sub-montane forests, woodlands, and scrub, often at higher elevations. It is also found in open areas with scattered trees, favoring dense canopy for cover.
Its diet consists predominantly of large insects, especially hairy caterpillars that many other bird species avoid, along with beetles, grasshoppers, and other arthropods.
The Lesser Cuckoo is a diurnal bird, frequently heard but often challenging to observe due to its secretive nature within dense foliage. It forages solitarily, meticulously gleaning large insects, particularly caterpillars, from leaves and branches, occasionally catching prey in flight. During th...
The breeding range of the Lesser Cuckoo spans across vast areas of East Asia, extending from eastern Siberia, Sakhalin, and northern Mongolia eastward through Northeast China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan. It also breeds in the Himalayan foothills, from northern Pakistan eastward through Nepal...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name, *poliocephalus*, literally translates to 'grey-headed,' perfectly describing a key plumage feature. - The Lesser Cuckoo is a highly specialized brood parasite, predominantly targeting nests of various leaf warblers and bush warblers. - Female Lesser Cuckoos are remarkably e...