The mangrove cuckoo is a species of cuckoo that is native to the Neotropics.
Region
Caribbean Basin and Neotropics
Typical Environment
Found throughout coastal mangrove forests of the Caribbean, the Bahamas, parts of Central America, northern South America, and locally in southern Florida. Prefers red, black, and white mangrove stands, but also uses adjacent coastal thickets and tropical hardwood hammocks. It forages from mid-story to canopy, often remaining concealed in dense foliage. Occasional records occur in other coastal scrub and estuarine woodlands when mangroves intergrade with these habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mangrove cuckoo is a shy, canopy-dwelling cuckoo of coastal mangrove forests across the Caribbean and nearby shores. It is more often heard than seen, thanks to a low, rolling series of clucks and croaks. Unlike many Old World cuckoos, it builds its own nest and raises its young. In the United States it is localized, occurring mainly in South Florida and the Florida Keys.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between mangrove clumps
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in pairs, moving methodically through foliage. Builds a flimsy stick nest in mangroves or nearby shrubs; both sexes participate in nest building, incubation, and feeding of young. Clutch size is usually 2–3 eggs, and nesting often coincides with peaks in caterpillar abundance.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Voice is a series of low, resonant clucks and croaks, often accelerating into a rolling sequence. Also gives harsh “kawk” notes and soft cooing phrases from concealed perches.
Plumage
Upperparts gray-brown with a smooth, plain mantle; underparts warm buff to pale cinnamon transitioning to whitish undertail coverts. Long graduated tail shows bold white spots on the underside of the outer feathers. Face features a distinct dark mask through the eye and a pale supercilium.
Diet
Primarily eats large arthropods such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, katydids, beetles, and spiders. Also takes small vertebrates including lizards and treefrogs when available. Will supplement diet with small fruits and berries, especially seasonally.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mangrove mid-story to canopy, gleaning prey from leaves and branches and occasionally sallying to snatch items. Often hunts along edges of tidal creeks and in dense tangles where prey is abundant.
