Diederik Cuckoo

The Diederik cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius), a small and vibrant member of the Cuculiformes order, is a sight to behold with its glossy green plumage and coppery sheen. Adult males are particularly striking, with their white underparts and distinctive white eye-stripe, complemented by a short green malar stripe. Their wings are adorned with white spots, and the tail feathers are tipped with the same pure hue. Females, on the other hand, display more copper above and exhibit coppery barring on their flanks, with a brownish wash on the underparts. The juveniles are easily distinguished by their red bills, streaky throats, and a white wing-bar, presenting a more copper-coloured upper side and a browner underside than the females, with brown blotches marking their flanks.

Identification Tips

When observing the Diederik cuckoo, look for the male's glossy green upperparts and the white underparts, as well as the broken white eye-stripe and green malar stripe. The white spots on the inner vanes of all remiges are a key identifier. Females can be recognized by their coppery upperparts and barred flanks. Juveniles will stand out with their red bills and streaky throats.

Habitat

The Diederik cuckoo favors open woodland, savanna, and riverside bushes, thriving in environments where it can find both shelter and a bounty of insects.

Distribution

This cuckoo is a common resident breeder throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, occasionally venturing as far north as Cyprus. It follows the rains in short-distance seasonal migrations, always in search of the most favorable conditions.

Behaviour

The Diederik cuckoo is a solitary bird, often found alone rather than in flocks. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other birds, particularly weavers and bishops.

Song & Calls

The bird's persistent and loud "deed-deed-deed-deed-er-ick" call is not only the source of its name but also a familiar sound in its habitat. The call typically consists of four clear notes followed by a twittering sound.

Breeding

As a brood parasite, the Diederik cuckoo does not build its own nest but instead lays a single egg in the nests of other bird species, such as the village weaver and various bishops.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Diederik cuckoo is composed of a variety of insects and their larvae, which it actively hunts in its habitat.

Conservation status

The Diederik cuckoo is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, for now, this species is not at immediate risk of decline.