Coccyzus vieilloti
The Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo (Coccyzus vieilloti) is a slender, long-tailed denizen of Puerto Rico's forests, an enigmatic species endemic to the island. Measuring approximately 40-46 cm (16-18 inches) in length, it boasts a sophisticated, cryptic plumage of soft grey on its upperparts, contrasting with clean white underparts. A key field mark is the distinctive bare red skin surrounding its eye, which stands out against its grey head. Its exceptionally long tail, tipped with broad white ba...
Found in a variety of forest types, including moist, dry, and montane forests, as well as dense woodlands and shaded coffee plantations, from sea level up to the highest elevations.
Primarily carnivorous, feeding heavily on lizards, especially anoles, supplemented by large insects such as katydids, cicadas, mantids, and large caterpillars, foraged by gleaning foliage.
Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoos are largely diurnal but exhibit a secretive and often solitary nature, preferring to remain hidden within the dense understory and mid-canopy. Their primary foraging strategy involves slow, deliberate movements through foliage, gleaning lizards and large insects from b...
The Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo is strictly endemic to the island of Puerto Rico, where it is a resident species found year-round across suitable habitats. Its distribution spans the entirety of the main island, from coastal lowlands to the highest mountain peaks, including the Cordillera Central ...
Least Concern
- The Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo is one of only two cuckoo species native to Puerto Rico, the other being the Mangrove Cuckoo. - Unlike its Old World cuckoo relatives, this species is not a brood parasite; it builds its own nest and diligently raises its own young. - Its common name directly refl...