The dark-billed cuckoo is a species of bird in the tribe Phaenicophaeini, subfamily Cuculinae of the cuckoo family Cuculidae. It is regularly found in every mainland South American country except Chile plus the Galápagos Islands. It has also occurred as a vagrant in Chile and several other countries and islands.
Region
South America and Galápagos
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across mainland South America in every country except Chile, with regular records on the Galápagos Islands and vagrancy to Chile and other islands. It uses a range of wooded habitats including forest edges, gallery forests, riparian thickets, cerrado and savanna with scattered trees, and second-growth. It favors dense midstory and edge vegetation where caterpillars are abundant. During the austral winter, many individuals shift northward into Amazonia and the Guianas.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dark-billed cuckoo is a slender, foliage-gleaning cuckoo that specializes in hairy caterpillars many birds avoid. It is a partial austral migrant, moving north within South America outside the breeding season. Unlike Old World cuckoos, it typically builds its own nest and raises its young, though occasional brood parasitism has been noted. It is often detected by its soft, hollow calls and by the flash of rufous in the wings during short flights.
In the Galápagos Islands
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides through foliage
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, moving methodically through the midstory. Builds a flimsy cup nest of twigs placed low to mid-height in shrubs or small trees; typical clutches are 2–3 eggs. Both sexes participate in incubation and feeding. Occasional facultative brood parasitism has been reported but is not the norm.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives a soft series of hollow, descending cooing notes, often accelerating slightly. Also emits dry ticking or clucking calls when foraging or alarmed.
Plumage
Upperparts grayish-brown with slightly warmer tones on the wings; underparts whitish to pale buff. Long, graduated tail with dark subterminal band and conspicuous white tips. Rufous primaries form a noticeable panel in flight.
Diet
Primarily consumes caterpillars, including hairy species, along with other insects such as orthopterans, beetles, and cicadas. Will occasionally take small berries or other soft fruits, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Forages deliberately, gleaning from leaves and twigs and making short sallies to capture prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in riparian thickets, gallery forest, and secondary growth with dense foliage. Often uses midstory tangles and outer canopy edges where caterpillars concentrate.
