Surniculus velutinus
The Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo (*Surniculus velutinus*) is a captivating medium-sized cuckoo, measuring approximately 22-23 cm (8.7-9.1 inches) in length, renowned for its striking resemblance to drongos, a classic example of avian mimicry. Its plumage is a glossy, velvety black, often reflecting a subtle blue or green sheen, and is punctuated by a distinctive white patch on the hindneck (nuchal patch), which is a key identification mark. Juveniles display more prominent white barring on their ...
This species primarily inhabits lowland to mid-elevation forests, favoring both primary and secondary growth, as well as forest edges and dense scrub up to approximately 1,500 meters.
Its diet consists almost exclusively of insects, particularly caterpillars, but also includes beetles, orthopterans, and mantises, typically gleaned from leaves and branches.
The Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo is a diurnal and generally solitary bird, often going unnoticed due to its elusive nature and expert mimicry of local drongo species. Foraging involves gleaning insects from foliage within the canopy and sub-canopy, frequently joining mixed-species feeding flocks to e...
The Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo is endemic to the Philippines, where it is found across a wide array of islands. Its distribution includes the major islands of Luzon, Catanduanes, Samar, Leyte, Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Mindanao, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi. This species is resident throughout its rang...
Least Concern
- The Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo is a master of mimicry, not only looking like a drongo but also mimicking their calls to blend in seamlessly. - It's a brood parasite, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving its young to be raised by foster parents. - Unlike most birds,...