Chalcites ruficollis
The Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo (*Chalcites ruficollis*) is a captivating small cuckoo, measuring approximately 15-17 cm, endemic to the montane forests of New Guinea. Its most distinctive feature is a vibrant rufous-orange throat and upper breast, often extending to the face, which contrasts sharply with its iridescent greenish-bronze upperparts and finely barred white underparts. A subtle red eye-ring further enhances its striking appearance. Taxonomically, it belongs to the genus *Chalci...
Found exclusively in montane tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. It typically inhabits elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, with a strong preference for caterpillars. It forages by gleaning insects from leaves and twigs within the forest canopy.
This cuckoo is a diurnal and primarily solitary species, often observed foraging actively within the canopy and edges of montane forests. Its foraging strategy involves agilely gleaning insects, particularly caterpillars, from foliage and branches. Like many cuckoos, the Rufous-throated Bronze Cu...
The Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo is an endemic resident of the island of New Guinea, distributed throughout its extensive central mountain ranges. Its geographic distribution spans across both the Indonesian territories of Western New Guinea (comprising the provinces of West Papua and Papua) and...
Least Concern
- Its genus name, *Chalcites*, is derived from Greek, meaning 'bronze', a direct reference to the iridescent metallic sheen of its plumage. - Unlike most birds, the Rufous-throated Bronze Cuckoo does not build its own nest, instead laying its eggs in the nests of other species, a parasitic breedi...