Indian Cuckoo

1. Bird Name: The bird species being profiled in this article is the Indian Cuckoo. The scientific (Latin) name for this bird is Cuculus micropterus.

2. Appearance: The Indian Cuckoo is predominantly a bird with hues of gray and white. The upperparts are dark grey, while underparts are white with strongly dark grey barring. The tail has a unique monochrome barring pattern, rendering it a distinctive appearance. The beak is short, stout and slightly curved, while the eyes bear a striking bright yellow colour. In terms of physical traits, there is no significant difference in appearance between males and females of the species.

3. Size: The Indian Cuckoo typically measures between 31-36 cm (12-14 in) in length. Weight varies between 77-105 grams. Wingspan is not typically measured for this bird species, but is estimated to be approximately twice the body length.

4. Habitat & Distribution: This bird species has noticeable presence in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asian countries including but not limited to India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, and Indonesia. They prefer habitats in dense forests, woodlands and gardens, ranging from sea level to moderately high altitudes. They are also seasonal migratory birds.

5. Interesting Facts: The Indian Cuckoo is known to be a brood parasite, laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, especially babblers and drongos. The ill-fated “host” bird ends up hatching the egg and raising the offspring. These birds are also known to alter their altitude according to seasons, moving to lower grounds during winter. Indian Cuckoo’s arrival is considered a harbinger of the Rainy season in many parts of India.

6. Diet: The diet of a Indian Cuckoo primarily consists of insects, including caterpillars and other large insects. Occasionally, they are known to also feed on fruits and berries.

7. Behavior & Sounds: The Indian Cuckoo is especially known for its distinctive four-note call, often phonetically represented as ‘bo-ko-ta-ko’, which resonates clearly in early mornings and late evenings, making it a distinct part of the Indian countryside’s soundscape. They also engage in unique behaviour such as depositing their eggs in the nests of other birds and slipping away, a behaviour common to most cuckoos.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Indian Cuckoo is currently categorized as being of ‘Least Concern’, indicating a healthy and well-distributed population.

9. Lifespan: In the wild, the Indian Cuckoo typically lives for around 5-6 years. In captivity, they may live slightly longer, reaching up to 8-10 years in some instances.

10. Additional Notes: In India, the bird is affectionately known as ‘Papiha’, ‘Papeeha’ or ‘Chatak’, words that try to imitate its unique call. It also holds cultural significance in many regional folklores, typically symbolizing the advent of rains. It is also believed that the bird carries healing properties in its voice, and listening to their early morning calls can bring positivity and good health. In the ecosystem, they play a significant role in controlling the population of insects, particularly caterpillars.