Black-billed Cuckoo

28-30 cm (11-12") Uncommon to fairly common. Wood edges, hedgerows, thickets, along streams.

Completely black downcurved bill; narrow red eye-ring; slim body is grayish brown above white below; long tail has indistinct white spots on dark underside.

Eats mostly caterpillars. Quite shy. Perches near tree trunks. Heard more than seen.

Song: deep rapid "cu-cu-cu" notes.

Videos

Images

Credit: Dave Inman

Credit: Kenneth Cole Schneider

Credit: Jorge Montejo

Credit: Jerry Oldenettel

Distribution Maps

Black-billed Cuckoo distribution map