The moustached hawk-cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is evergreen and secondary forests. Threatened by habitat loss, it has been assessed as a near-threatened species.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in Brunei, Indonesia (notably Borneo and Sumatra), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand. It inhabits evergreen lowland and hill forests, including primary dipterocarp stands and well-regenerated secondary growth. The species frequents forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors where insect prey is abundant. It is generally scarce and secretive, keeping to the mid- to upper canopy. Ongoing forest loss and fragmentation reduce suitable habitat across much of its range.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This hawk-like cuckoo sports a bold white moustachial stripe that gives it its name and likely helps mimic small raptors, reducing mobbing by other birds. Like many cuckoos, it is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of smaller passerines such as babblers and bulbuls. It is typically secretive and more often detected by its clear, whistled calls than seen.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides through the canopy
Social Behavior
Usually found alone or in pairs, foraging quietly within dense foliage. It is a brood parasite, depositing eggs in the nests of smaller forest birds and leaving incubation and chick-rearing to the host species. Territorial calling is most frequent during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, ringing whistles that may accelerate or rise in pitch, often delivered from a concealed perch. Calls carry well at dawn and dusk and can be the easiest way to locate the species.
Plumage
Brown to grey-brown upperparts with a white throat framed by dark malar 'moustache' stripes; underparts buff to rufous with dark barring. Long, barred tail with narrow white tips; wings rounded with subtle barring. Overall hawk-like posture and flight silhouette.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects, especially caterpillars (including hairy species), beetles, cicadas, mantids, and orthopterans. It occasionally takes small lizards or other arthropods when available. Prey is gleaned from foliage or snatched in short sallies, often with hawk-like agility.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of evergreen and secondary forests, along edges, and near forest streams. Will also hunt along trails and light gaps where insect activity is high.
