Cacomantis sepulcralis
The Sunda Brush Cuckoo (*Cacomantis sepulcralis*) is a small, enigmatic member of the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, known for its mournful, descending whistle that permeates the humid forests of Southeast Asia. Measuring approximately 21-25 cm in length and weighing around 30-50 grams, adults typically exhibit a uniform dark grey head and chest, contrasting with warm brown upperparts and a distinct rufous lower belly and vent. A subtle yellow eye-ring is a key field mark for identification. Juven...
Primarily found in lowland and lower montane forests, forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and dense gardens, typically at elevations from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters. It favors areas with dense vegetation for concealment.
Feeds predominantly on a variety of insects, with a strong preference for caterpillars (including hairy ones avoided by many other birds), as well as beetles, grasshoppers, and other invertebrates, typically gleaned from foliage or caught in short aerial sallies.
Sunda Brush Cuckoos are largely solitary and secretive birds, often heard more often than seen, particularly at dawn and dusk when their distinctive calls are most frequent. They are active during the day, foraging methodically within the foliage, often perching motionlessly for extended periods ...
The Sunda Brush Cuckoo is widely distributed across much of Southeast Asia, primarily residing in the Greater Sunda Islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and Bali, as well as the Malay Peninsula and the extensive Philippine archipelago. While generally considered a resident species, local or ...
Least Concern
- The Sunda Brush Cuckoo is an obligate brood parasite, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, never raising its own young. - Its eggs often mimic those of its host species in size and coloration, a clever evolutionary adaptation to reduce detection by the host. - Cuckoo chi...