The diederik cuckoo, formerly dideric cuckoo or didric cuckoo is a member of the cuckoo family of birds, Cuculidae, which also includes the roadrunners and the anis.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across sub-Saharan Africa wherever suitable host species are abundant. It frequents open woodland, savanna, riparian thickets, forest edges, plantations, and suburban gardens. The species tracks rainfall and host breeding cycles, becoming more numerous locally during the wet season. It generally avoids dense interior rainforest and the most arid deserts but occupies a broad range of semi-open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, shining cuckoo of sub‑Saharan Africa, famous for its onomatopoeic call that sounds like 'dee-dee-deederik.' It is a brood parasite that lays in the nests of weavers and bishops, often removing a host egg. The species follows seasonal rains and becomes conspicuous when males call persistently from exposed perches. Despite parasitism, it is widespread and commonly seen in gardens, savannas, and riverine thickets.
Diederik cuckoo – female
At Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside breeding, with males advertising persistently from exposed perches. A brood parasite, the female lays single eggs in the nests of weavers and bishops, often removing one host egg. Courtship includes calling, chases, and display flights; no nest is built by the species itself.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A clear, repeated series that sounds like 'dee-dee-deederik,' often delivered for long periods during the breeding season. Calls carry far and are a key clue to presence even when the bird stays hidden in foliage.
Plumage
Glossy metallic green upperparts with bold white spotting on the wings and scapulars; clean white underparts with some green mottling on the sides. Tail is dark with white barring and tips. Females and juveniles may show more rufous or bronzy tones and heavier spotting.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects, especially caterpillars (including hairy species), as well as beetles, bugs, and other arthropods. It gleans prey from leaves and branches and occasionally sallies after flying insects. It may also take small invertebrates from host nest areas while prospecting.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of trees and shrubs in woodland edges, savannas, gardens, and along rivers. Often seen near colonies of weavers, where it both feeds and searches for host nests.
