Chalcites meyerii
The White-eared Bronze Cuckoo (*Chalcites meyerii*) is a striking yet often elusive species of cuckoo endemic to the island of New Guinea and its satellite islands. Measuring approximately 14-16 cm in length and weighing around 20-25 grams, this small cuckoo exhibits a captivating iridescent bronzy-green plumage across its upperparts, head, and breast, contrasting sharply with its clean white underparts and flanks distinctly barred with metallic green. Its most distinctive field mark, providi...
This cuckoo primarily inhabits submontane and montane tropical rainforests, favoring forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 800 to 2000 meters above sea level.
The diet of the White-eared Bronze Cuckoo consists mainly of caterpillars and other small insects such as beetles and grasshoppers. It forages primarily by gleaning prey from the leaves and branches within the forest canopy and mid-story.
The White-eared Bronze Cuckoo is a diurnal and generally solitary bird, often difficult to observe due to its elusive nature and preference for the canopy. It forages primarily by gleaning insects, especially caterpillars, from the foliage of trees and shrubs. Its social structure is mostly solit...
The White-eared Bronze Cuckoo is resident throughout its range, primarily centered on the large island of New Guinea, encompassing both the Indonesian provinces of West Papua and Papua, and the independent nation of Papua New Guinea. Its distribution also extends to several satellite islands, inc...
Least Concern
- The White-eared Bronze Cuckoo is an obligate brood parasite, meaning it never builds its own nest, instead laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, typically small warblers. - Its distinctive "white ear patch" is a key identification feature, giving the bird its common name and diffe...