Cuculus lepidus
The Sunda Cuckoo (Cuculus lepidus) is a captivating, medium-sized avian inhabitant of Southeast Asian montane forests, measuring approximately 28-30 cm in length. Adults are distinguished by their dark grey head, nape, and upperparts, which contrast sharply with a rich rufous (cinnamon) lower breast and belly that is subtly barred with darker grey. Its undertail-coverts are whitish, often with sparse barring, and its yellow eye-ring and blackish bill with a yellow lower mandible base are nota...
Primarily inhabits montane and submontane evergreen forests, from approximately 900m to 3,000m elevation, occasionally found in secondary forests or forest edges.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding extensively on hairy caterpillars, which are avoided by many other bird species, along with other insect larvae, beetles, and cicadas.
Typically a solitary and highly arboreal species, the Sunda Cuckoo is often heard rather than seen, spending its days foraging actively within the forest canopy. Its primary foraging strategy involves gleaning insects, particularly hairy caterpillars, directly from foliage and branches. As an obl...
The Sunda Cuckoo is predominantly resident across the montane regions of the Greater Sunda Islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, and Timor. Its distribution extends into Peninsular Malaysia and the higher elevations of southern Thailand, and possibly i...
Least Concern
- The Sunda Cuckoo's scientific name, 'lepidus,' means 'elegant' or 'charming,' possibly referring to its subtle coloration. - It is one of the few birds that can safely consume hairy caterpillars, which contain toxins that deter most other predators. - Despite its widespread distribution, it is ...