The Asian emerald cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
It occurs from the Himalayan foothills and northeastern India through Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, southern China, and south to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with records in Sri Lanka. The species uses moist lowland evergreen forests, hill forests, and montane broadleaf forests, often keeping to the mid- and upper canopy. It also visits forest edges, wooded ravines, and mature secondary growth. During the nonbreeding season it can appear in more open wooded habitats and plantations near intact forest.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking cuckoo is known for its shimmering emerald-green upperparts and for being a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of smaller forest birds. It frequents the canopy of tropical and subtropical forests and is often more easily heard than seen. Males give clear, whistled phrases that carry through the forest. It undertakes seasonal movements, breeding in hill and montane forests and wintering farther south.
Temperament
elusive and arboreal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in loose pairs, keeping to the canopy. It is a brood parasite, laying eggs in the nests of small passerines and leaving the hosts to rear the chick. Courtship involves calling perches and short display flights. Nest building is not performed due to parasitic breeding strategy.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
The male gives a clear, fluty series of rising whistles, often delivered from a concealed perch high in the canopy. Calls are penetrating and repetitive, carrying far through forest. Females give softer notes and chatter around host territories.
