Tapera naevia
The Striped Cuckoo (Tapera naevia) is a medium-sized, highly distinctive cuckoo found throughout much of Central and South America. Measuring approximately 26-29 cm (10-11.5 in) in length and weighing 40-60 grams, it features a slender body, a long graduated tail, and a prominent, shaggy erectile crest. Its plumage is characterized by a striking pattern of dark brown and rufous streaking on the upperparts, contrasting with whitish underparts that may show faint breast streaking. A buffy-white...
Found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats, including scrub, savanna, open woodlands, clearings, and forest edges, typically from sea level up to 1800 meters, occasionally higher.
Feeds predominantly on large insects, including caterpillars (even hairy ones), grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, occasionally supplementing with small lizards or frogs, obtained by gleaning or snatching.
This diurnal cuckoo is notoriously secretive, often remaining hidden within dense vegetation, though males will perch conspicuously to deliver their characteristic song. They primarily forage by gleaning insects from foliage or snatching prey from the ground. Males are highly territorial during t...
The Striped Cuckoo enjoys a wide distribution across Central and South America, primarily as a resident species with no significant migratory movements. Its northernmost extent reaches southern Mexico (including the Yucatán Peninsula), continuing through all of Central America: Belize, Guatemala,...
Least Concern
- The Striped Cuckoo is the only recognized species within its genus, Tapera, making it a unique lineage of New World cuckoos. - It is an obligate brood parasite, never building its own nest but instead laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species. - Its distinctive three-note whistling son...