Banded Bay Cuckoo

1. Bird Name
English Name: Banded Bay Cuckoo
Scientific Name: Cacomantis Sonneratii

2. Appearance
The Banded Bay Cuckoo is a beautifully marked bird with a unique combination of colors and patterns. This species possesses a sleek, elongated body with a long tail. The bird has a predominantly grayish hue, while its undersides are prominently white with heavy, dark grey bands. The bill is curved, slender and of a dark color, perfectly suited for its insectivorous diet. Its eyes are of a deep red color, providing a striking contrast against its grayish-white plumage. In contrast to many bird species, there’s no significant difference in visual characteristics between the males and females of Banded Bay Cuckoo.

3. Size
The average length of the species is around 27 cm/10.6 inches. The weight of these cuckoos varies between 30 to 49 grams, making them relatively light-bodied birds.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Banded Bay Cuckoo is distributed throughout Asia, mainly in the southern, eastern and southeastern regions. The geographical range includes countries like India, China, Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia. Its preferred habitats consist of open woodlands, forests, and scrubby areas.

5. Interesting Facts
Several fascinating aspects of the Banded Bay Cuckoo make it a unique bird species. Firstly, like many other cuckoo species, it practices brood parasitism, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species and leaves the host to incubate and raise its young. Secondly, it is known for its distinct and unique call which is a rhythmic “coo-coo…coo-coo…coo-coo…”

6. Diet
Primarily insectivorous, the Banded Bay Cuckoo primarily feeds on a diverse range of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and ants.

7. Behavior & Sounds
An interesting behavioral trait of the Banded Bay Cuckoo is its stealthy nature. It prefers solitude and is often hard to spot. Its presence, however, is often given away by its distinctive call, which is usually a repetitive, rhythmic cooing sound, making it familiar to local populations.

8. Conservation Status
The Banded Bay Cuckoo is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List. It is neither endangered nor threatened currently, thanks to its extensive distribution range and stable population.

9. Lifespan
Banded Bay Cuckoos have a lifespan ranging usually between 8 to 10 years, though details on its exact longevity in the wild is insufficient.

10. Additional Notes
In various regions, this bird is known by different names. For instance, in the Malay language, it is commonly known as ‘Sewah Mata Merah’. Despite avoiding human habitation, it plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance by consuming a significant number of insects, especially agricultural pests, thus aiding in natural pest control.