Lesser Cuckoo

The lesser cuckoo, known scientifically as Cuculus poliocephalus, is a member of the Cuculidae family. This avian species is adorned with a modest plumage, blending seamlessly into the verdant habitats it frequents.

Identification Tips

Observers should note the lesser cuckoo's sleek profile, a characteristic of its genus. Its feathers are predominantly a soft grey, with subtle variations that may require a keen eye to discern.

Habitat

The lesser cuckoo favors the lush canopies of forests and woodlands, where it can often be found perched discreetly among the foliage.

Distribution

This bird's range is extensive, spanning across various regions of Asia and Africa. It graces countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, and India, and ventures as far as Japan, Kenya, and South Africa, among others.

Behaviour

The lesser cuckoo is known for its elusive nature, often heard before it is seen. It is a solitary bird, with habits that have intrigued and challenged birdwatchers for centuries.

Song & Calls

In Japan, where the lesser cuckoo is affectionately called hototogisu, its melodic song is highly esteemed. The bird's call is a defining sound of the landscape, woven into the cultural fabric through poetry and literature.

Breeding

As with other cuckoos, the lesser cuckoo may engage in brood parasitism, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species to be raised by unwitting foster parents.

Conservation status

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