Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo

The Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, a member of the Cuculidae family, is a striking bird with a length of approximately 22 to 25 centimeters. Adults boast a dark slaty grey-blue plumage on the head, back, and wings, contrasted by a deep rufous on the breast and underparts. Their tail is adorned with a pattern of black and white bars. In contrast, the immature birds display a more subdued greyish cinnamon on the head and wings, transitioning to a dull mid-brown on the outer wing feathers. Their breast and underparts are a pale buff or cinnamon, and their tail features mid-brown and white bars. Both age groups share a distinctive yellow orbital eye ring, adding a touch of brightness to their visage.

Identification Tips

When attempting to distinguish the Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo from its relatives, note its size, which is slightly smaller than the Brush Cuckoo and Fan-tailed Cuckoo. The adult's darker breast and underparts are key identifiers, setting it apart from its congeners.

Habitat

This species finds sanctuary in the subtropical or tropical dry forests, as well as the mangrove forests that offer a verdant retreat.

Distribution

The Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo can be found in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

Similar Species

The Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo can be confused with the Brush Cuckoo (C. variolosus) and Fan-tailed Cuckoo (C. flabelliformis). However, its smaller stature and the adult's distinctly darker breast and underparts aid in its identification.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.