- the cacomantis sepulcralis, commonly known as the rusty-breasted cuckoo, is a species of bird in the family cuculidae.
- general description
- appearance
- the rusty-breasted cuckoo has distinctive rust-colored underparts.
- the upperparts are generally grayish-brown.
- it has a relatively long tail, often barred with darker patterns.
- size: it is a small to medium-sized bird, typically around 21-23 cm in length.
- behavior
- known for its brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other bird species.
- it has a distinctive call, often heard during the breeding season.
- generally solitary, except during breeding.
- habitat
- range: native to southeast asia, including thailand, malaysia, indonesia, and the philippines.
- environment: found in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, and sometimes gardens, prefers areas with dense foliage providing good cover.
- diet
- primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects and caterpillars, may also consume other small invertebrates.
- breeding
- nesting: does not build its own nest, relies on brood parasitism, lays eggs in the nests of other bird species.
- reproduction: female lays eggs in the host’s nest, leaving the host species to incubate and raise the cuckoo chick. the cuckoo chick often hatches earlier and grows faster, sometimes outcompeting the host’s chicks for food.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its wide range and stable population.
- interesting facts
- the rusty-breasted cuckoo’s parasitic breeding strategy is a fascinating evolutionary adaptation.
- its call is a common sound in its native habitats during the breeding season, often described as a repetitive and melodious series of notes.