Black Cuckoo

The black cuckoo, Cuculus clamosus, presents itself as a medium-sized bird within the Cuculidae family. Exhibiting sexual monomorphism, both males and females share similar plumage, which varies between the two subspecies. The nominate subspecies, Cuculus clamosus clamosus, boasts upper parts of a lustrous black with a green sheen, complemented by slatey-grey wings. Its tail is black, tipped with white, and may feature white or buff bars or spots on the outer feathers. In contrast, the Cuculus clamosus gabonensis subspecies is predominantly black with a distinctive red throat and a belly marked by black and white barring.

Identification Tips

When identifying the black cuckoo, look for its glossy black plumage with potential green iridescence. Note the tail markings, as the white tips and possible barring can be distinguishing features. The red throat of the gabonensis subspecies is a key identifier, setting it apart from the nominate subspecies.

Habitat

The black cuckoo is a bird of the woodlands, though it shies away from the dense interiors of forests. It has a preference for acacia woodlands, thickets, riverside woodlands, plantations, and the trees that often grace village landscapes.

Distribution

This species enjoys a broad distribution across sub-Saharan Africa. The gabonensis subspecies is a resident of Central Africa, while the clamosus subspecies is migratory, breeding in Southern Africa from September to December before relocating to Central, Eastern, and West Africa in March. Its range spans from Liberia to Ethiopia in the east and down to Angola and South Africa.

Behaviour

The black cuckoo is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of bushshrikes, particularly favoring the tropical boubou and crimson-breasted shrike. The cuckoo's eggs hatch in about fourteen days, outpacing the boubou's by three days. The young cuckoo will then evict any other eggs or nestlings within thirty hours of hatching. Fledging occurs around sixteen days, with the chick leaving the nest shortly thereafter. However, it remains dependent on its foster parents for an additional three weeks.

Song & Calls

Unfortunately, the source provided does not include information on the song and calls of the black cuckoo.

Breeding

As a brood parasite, the black cuckoo does not build its own nest but instead relies on the nests of other bird species. After hatching, the cuckoo chick will instinctively remove other occupants to monopolize the care provided by the unsuspecting foster parents.

Similar Species

The source does not provide information on species similar to the black cuckoo.

Diet and Feeding

The black cuckoo has a diet that primarily consists of hairy caterpillars. It also feeds on termites and ants, including those caught mid-flight, as well as beetles, grasshoppers, and other insects. Additionally, it will consume birds' eggs and nestlings.

Conservation status

The black cuckoo is classified as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.