The chestnut-bellied cuckoo is a species of bird in the tribe Phaenicophaeini, subfamily Cuculinae of the cuckoo family Cuculidae. It is endemic to Jamaica.
Region
Caribbean (Jamaica)
Typical Environment
Found across Jamaica in forested regions, especially in limestone karst (Cockpit Country), foothills, and lower montane slopes. It occupies evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, tall secondary growth, and shaded plantations such as coffee. The species often forages along forest edges and interior trails where midstory cover is dense. It tolerates some habitat disturbance if tall trees and connected canopy remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large cuckoo is endemic to Jamaica and is notable for its rich chestnut underparts and long, white-tipped tail. Unlike many Old World cuckoos, it builds its own nest and rears its young. It specializes on large insects, including hairy caterpillars that many other birds avoid, and will also take small lizards and some fruit. Its loud, descending call is often the best way to detect it in dense forest.
Temperament
secretive but sometimes conspicuous when calling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding; typically perches and makes short sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, moving methodically through the midstory and subcanopy. It constructs a shallow stick nest and both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Not known to practice brood parasitism; pairs defend a territory during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a loud, descending series of hollow notes, often accelerating or trailing off, carrying far through forest. Also produces harsh cackles and clucks during close encounters.
Plumage
Upperparts dark slaty to olive-brown with a long, graduated tail; underparts rich chestnut from breast to belly with a paler throat. Tail feathers are dark with prominent white tips that flash in flight. Feathers appear sleek with a slight gloss on the upperparts.
Diet
Primarily consumes large insects such as caterpillars, katydids, cicadas, and beetles, including hairy and spiny species other birds avoid. It will also take small lizards and occasionally frogs when available. Fruit is eaten opportunistically, especially in season, providing supplemental energy.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and subcanopy of mature forest and tall second growth, often along edges, streams, and shaded plantation rows. It searches leaves, twigs, and epiphyte clumps, making short sallies to snatch prey from foliage or the ground.
