The Moluccan brush cuckoo, formerly known as the Moluccan cuckoo, is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is native to the Maluku Islands.
Region
Maluku (Moluccas), Wallacea
Typical Environment
Occurs on several islands of the Maluku archipelago in eastern Indonesia. It favors lowland and hill rainforest, forest edges, secondary scrub, and wooded gardens. The species typically keeps to the midstory and canopy but will also forage along edges and clearings. It is usually solitary and can be inconspicuous despite being fairly widespread in suitable habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Moluccan brush cuckoo is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of smaller passerines, leaving the hosts to raise its chicks. It frequents forest edges and secondary growth where its repetitive, plaintive whistles often reveal its presence before it is seen. Like many cuckoos, it feeds heavily on hairy caterpillars that many other birds avoid. It was formerly grouped within the broader Brush Cuckoo complex but is now treated separately in the Maluku Islands.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct dashes between perches
Social Behavior
A brood parasite that deposits eggs in the nests of small passerines, leaving incubation and chick-rearing to the hosts. Outside breeding, it is mostly solitary and maintains loose territories centered on good foraging perches. Courtship is subtle, with males advertising primarily by song rather than displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Voice is a persistent, plaintive whistled series, often a repeated two- to three-note phrase delivered at regular intervals. Notes are clear and penetrating, carrying far through forest edges. Calls may accelerate or rise slightly in pitch during prolonged bouts.
