Gavilán común Cuco

1. Nombre del ave
The English name of this bird is the Common Hawk Cuckoo, and the scientific name is Hierococcyx varius.

2. Aspecto
The Common Hawk Cuckoo is an attractive bird known for its striking resemblance to hawks, such as the Shikra, resulting in its common nickname, the “Brainfever Bird.” It has a slender body with long wings and a tail. The adults have a greyish-brown back and a barred, white belly. Their wings possess a dark, curving pattern across them. The eye color ranges from yellow to a deep red, with a thin dark line running behind each eye, while the beak is black, sharp, and resembles a hawk’s. Both males and females display similar physical traits, making it tough to differentiate them based on appearance.

3. Tamaño
This variety of Cuckoo typically averages around 34-39 cm (13.4-15.4 inches) in length. Wingspan data are not uniformly available; however, it can be approximated to align with the bird’s length proportionately. Adult common hawk cuckoos weigh between 90 to 130 grams.

4. Hábitat y distribución
Native to South Asia, the Common Hawk Cuckoo is widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and a few parts of Pakistan. Adaptable and cosmopolitan, their habitats range from forests, woodlands, to urban gardens and jungles.

5. Datos de interés
A distinctive aspect of this bird species is their mimicry skills. The bird not only physically resembles a Shikra but also incorporates hawk-like flight patterns, even swooping down as if to catch a prey, tricking other birds into thinking it’s a predator.
Their call is notable, often represented as ‘brain-fever’ due to its three-note crescendo repeated continuously, which can drive listeners to a point of annoyance.
In Indian culture, the calling of the hawk cuckoo signifies the onset of summer.

6. Dieta
The Common Hawk Cuckoo feeds primarily on insects, specifically caterpillars. They also eat other smaller insects, and occasionally consume berries and seeds.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
These birds are known to be brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of babblers and crows to trick them into raising their young. When it comes to sounds, the bird’s voice is a distinctive three-note call, starting softly and building to a crescendo before repeating, likely the reason for its prominent nickname, “Brainfever Bird.”

8. Estado de conservación
The Hawk Cuckoo is considered to be of least concern according to the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and stable population.

9. Vida útil
In the wild, a typical Common Hawk Cuckoo has a lifespan of about 14 years. In captivity, lifespan data are not readily available because of the species’ high adaptability to living exclusively in the wild.

10. Notas adicionales
In India, the Hawk Cuckoo is often known as the “Papeeha” or the “Brainfever Bird.” Its voice is often considered a quintessential sound of Indian summers. They interact with humans in a neutral way, neither seeking out nor avoiding contact but remaining highly adaptable to human-influenced environments. In terms of their role in the ecosystem, they are essential for controlling harmful insect populations, particularly caterpillars.