Plaintive Cuckoo
Cacomantis merulinus
This species is a brood parasite, meaning it never builds its own nest but instead tricks other birds into raising its young.
- Scientific name
- Cacomantis merulinus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Cuculiformes › Cuculidae › Cacomantis
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Open woodlands, scrubland, secondary forests, mangroves, and urban gardens.
- Diet
- Mainly insects, specializing in hairy caterpillars; occasionally consumes small fruits.
- Range
- South Asia, Southeast Asia, Southern China
- Size
- 21-24 cm long; weight approximately 20-30 grams.
- Lifespan
- 4-6 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation and the use of broad-spectrum pesticides which reduce its primary food source of insects.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to humans. This bird is shy and more often heard than seen. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid interrupting its foraging or calls. If you find a fallen chick, do not intervene unless it is in immediate danger from pets, as foster parents are likely nearby.
The plaintive cuckoo ( Cacomantis merulinus ) is a species of bird belonging to the genus Cacomantis in the cuckoo family Cuculidae. It is native to Asia, from India and China to Indonesia.
Photo: Charles Lam, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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