Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Klaas's Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas), male
Klaas's Cuckoo, Male

Klaas's Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx klaas

The Klaas's cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas), is a diminutive and striking bird, measuring between 16 to 18 centimeters in length. This species is characterized by its sexual dimorphism, with males displaying a glossy green plumage and unmarked white underparts, while females exhibit a bronze-brown body with greenish wing coverts and subtly barred white underparts. Both sexes possess a small white post-ocular patch, adding to their distinctive appearance.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Klaas's cuckoo, look for the male's glossy green body and stark white underparts, contrasted by dark primaries in flight. Females can be recognized by their bronze-brown coloration and faint barring on the underparts. The white post-ocular patch is a key feature to observe in both sexes.

Habitat

This cuckoo species is native to the wooded regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where it can be found flitting among the trees and shrubbery.

Distribution

The Klaas's cuckoo graces much of sub-Saharan Africa with its presence, with the notable exception of the more arid regions in the south-west.

Song & calls

The call of Klaas's Cuckoo is a distinctive and melodious whistle, often described as a series of clear, descending notes that can sound like a repetitive "may-kee, may-kee". Males are known for their persistent and loud calling, especially during the breeding season, as they seek to attract mates and assert their territory.

Breeding

Breeding habits are not specified, but as a member of the cuckoo family, it may engage in brood parasitism, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species.

Similar Species

The Klaas's Cuckoo is most easily confused with the Diederik Cuckoo.

Diet and Feeding

Klaas's Cuckoo primarily feeds on a variety of insects, with a particular preference for caterpillars, including those from moth and butterfly species. This diet also encompasses insects such as beetles, wasps, ants, and flies, making them an important natural control for pest populations in their habitats.

Conservation status

The Klaas's cuckoo is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.

Klaas's Cuckoo Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Klaas's Cuckoos on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Cuckoos

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Nicole
Gets me outdoors more
I'm still loving this app. I use it most days & gets me outdoors more. Enjoying watching others progress and photo's, it's improved my wellbeing.... I love this app! I can keep a record of sightings and see what others have seen too.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.