Chalcites minutillus
The Little Bronze Cuckoo (*Chalcites minutillus*) is a diminutive yet striking member of the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, renowned for its metallic plumage and brood parasitic lifestyle. Measuring a mere 13-17 cm (5.1-6.7 in) in length and weighing 17-25g (0.6-0.9 oz), it is among the smallest cuckoos globally. Its upperparts shimmer with a glossy, iridescent bronze-green, contrasting sharply with its white underparts that are densely barred with dark, often bronze-brown, markings. A prominent w...
Found in a wide array of forested and wooded habitats, including open woodlands, forest edges, mangroves, coastal scrub, and gardens, typically at low to mid-elevations.
Feeds predominantly on insects, with a strong preference for caterpillars (including hairy varieties often avoided by other birds), as well as insect larvae, beetles, and spiders.
Primarily a diurnal and solitary bird, the Little Bronze Cuckoo is often detected by its persistent, high-pitched calls rather than visual observation. It forages by actively gleaning insects, particularly caterpillars, from foliage, and occasionally performs short flycatching sallies. Territoria...
The Little Bronze Cuckoo boasts an exceptionally wide geographical distribution, spanning much of Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and northern to eastern Australia. Its breeding range encompasses countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and northern part...
Least Concern
- The Little Bronze Cuckoo is one of the smallest cuckoos in the world, a true miniature among its family.- As an obligate brood parasite, it never builds its own nest, relying entirely on unwitting host species to raise its young. - Its diet often includes hairy caterpillars, which many other bi...