Cacomantis addendus
The Solomons Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis addendus) is a captivating, albeit often cryptic, passerine-sized cuckoo endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago. Measuring approximately 20-22 cm (8-8.5 inches) in length, it exhibits a largely plain plumage, characterized by an olive-brown to greyish-brown back, head, and breast that gradually fades to a paler grey or whitish on the belly and undertail coverts. A key field mark for identification is its striking yellow orbital ring, which contrasts s...
This cuckoo primarily inhabits lowland and hill forests, including both primary and secondary growth, forest edges, plantations, and well-vegetated gardens. It can be found from sea level up to elevations of approximately 1,200 meters.
Its diet consists predominantly of insects, with a particular preference for caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, and sometimes spiders, gleaned directly from foliage.
The Solomons Brush Cuckoo is a largely solitary and secretive bird, more frequently heard than seen as it moves quietly through dense foliage during its diurnal activity periods. As a brood parasite, it exhibits no nest-building behavior or parental care, instead laying its eggs in the nests of v...
The Solomons Brush Cuckoo is endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago, with its distribution spanning across numerous islands within this Melanesian island group. Its breeding range encompasses islands such as Bougainville (politically part of Papua New Guinea but geographically part of the Sol...
Least Concern
- The Solomons Brush Cuckoo is primarily identified by its distinctive, mournful, descending whistle calls, which differ significantly from its mainland relatives. - Like all species in the genus *Cacomantis*, it is an obligate brood parasite, never raising its own young. - Hatchling cuckoos typi...