The dark hawk-cuckoo is a bird in the family Cuculidae formerly considered conspecific with the large hawk-cuckoo and placed in the genus Cuculus.
Region
Sundaland, Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in forested regions of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, with records from both lowland and hill evergreen forests. It uses primary forest, mature secondary growth, and forest edges, and sometimes forages in wooded plantations near intact forest. The species keeps to the mid- to upper canopy but may descend to lower levels along edges and streams. It is typically scarce to uncommon but can be locally more frequent where habitat remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The dark hawk-cuckoo is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of smaller forest birds, leaving them to raise the chick. It closely mimics a small hawk in shape and barring, which may help it approach hosts undetected. Formerly placed in Cuculus and lumped with the large hawk-cuckoo, it is now treated as a separate species in Hierococcyx. Its diet is dominated by hairy caterpillars that many other birds avoid.
Temperament
secretive and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift dashes through the canopy
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside the breeding season and often detected by voice rather than seen. As a brood parasite, it does not build its own nest but lays in the nests of smaller passerines, likely babblers and warblers. Adults are wary and spend much time perched quietly within foliage, making short sallies to forage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, piercing whistles that may accelerate or rise slightly, often repeated in long sequences. Calls carry far through the forest and are delivered from concealed perches, especially at dawn and dusk.
