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Overview
Little bronze cuckoo

Little bronze cuckoo

Wikipedia

The little bronze cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It was formerly placed in the genus Chrysococcyx. It is a common brood parasite of birds from the genus Geryone. This cuckoo is found in Southeast Asia, New Guinea and some parts of Australia, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. It is the world's smallest cuckoo. The pied bronze cuckoo was formerly considered to be a subspecies. Other common names for the little bronze cuckoo include the red-eyed bronze cuckoo and the malay green cuckoo. It has 11 subspecies which are generally recognized.

Distribution

Region

Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and northern Australia

Typical Environment

This species inhabits tropical lowland forests, mangroves, riverine woodland, monsoon forest, and forest edge. It also uses secondary growth, plantations, and coastal scrub where canopy and midstory cover are available. In northern Australia it is frequent in mangroves and paperbark swamps, while in New Guinea and the Moluccas it occupies humid lowland forest mosaics. It keeps to shaded foliage and often goes unseen despite its distinctive voice.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size12–16 cm
Wing Span20–25 cm
Male Weight0.019 kg
Female Weight0.018 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The little bronze cuckoo is the world’s smallest cuckoo, a tiny, shimmering green parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of small warblers, especially Gerygone species. Adults have striking red eyes and finely barred underparts, and they often skulk in dense foliage. It ranges from mainland Southeast Asia through Indonesia and New Guinea to northern Australia. Taxonomy varies regionally, and numerous subspecies (about 11) are recognized.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats in direct, low flights between cover

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs outside the breeding season. It is an obligate brood parasite, laying eggs in the nests of small passerines (notably Gerygone), where the chick outcompetes host young. Adults do not build nests and spend much time foraging quietly within foliage.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

A high-pitched, repetitive series of clear whistles, often accelerating or slightly descending. Calls carry well through mangroves and forest edge and may continue for long periods from hidden perches.

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