Indian Cuckoo

Cuculus micropterus

The Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) is a medium-sized bird known for its distinctive call, which is often associated with the arrival of the monsoon season in India. This migratory bird is characterized by its sleek body, long tail, and barred underparts. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly babblers and warblers. The Indian Cuckoo is primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and caterpillars. It is often found in open woodlands, scrublands, and agricultural areas, where it can be seen perched on exposed branches or wires. Despite its widespread distribution, the Indian Cuckoo faces threats from habitat loss and changes in land use.

Habitat: Open woodlands, scrublands, agricultural areas

Indian Cuckoo
© Hari K Patibanda · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0