Northern hawk-cuckoo

The northern hawk-cuckoo, rufous hawk-cuckoo, or Horsfield's hawk-cuckoo is a bird in the family Cuculidae formerly thought to be conspecific with Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo and placed in the genus Cuculus.

Loading map...

Distribution

Region

East and Southeast Asia

Typical Environment

Breeds in temperate East Asia, including parts of northeastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, and disperses south after breeding. In the non-breeding season it occurs across southern China and into mainland and insular Southeast Asia. It favors forest edges, secondary woodland, wooded farmland, and riverine groves, and will use parks and plantations with substantial tree cover. Movement is seasonal, with birds shifting between breeding and wintering ranges as temperatures and food availability change.

Altitude Range

0–2000 m

Climate Zone

Other

Characteristics

Size28–33 cm

Wing Span45–55 cm

Male Weight0.12 kg

Female Weight0.14 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This hawk-like cuckoo is an obligate brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of smaller passerines such as warblers. Its plumage and flight mimic a small Accipiter, which may help it approach host nests unnoticed. It was formerly grouped with Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo but is now recognized as a separate species. The species migrates between temperate breeding grounds in East Asia and warmer wintering areas farther south.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and secretive

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with swift, hawk-like dashes

Social Behavior

Generally solitary outside the breeding season and maintains loose territories in wooded habitats. As a brood parasite, the female deposits eggs in the nests of small passerines and does not build a nest of her own. Courtship is subtle, with males advertising by song and pursuit flights within forest clearings.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Clear, whistled notes delivered in steady, repeated phrases, often rising slightly at the end. Calls carry far through forest edges, especially at dawn and dusk, and may accelerate or repeat in series when the bird is excited.

Unlock detailed bird insights with Pro access today.

Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Northern hawk-owl

The northern hawk-owl, or northern hawk owl, is a medium-sized true owl of the northern latitudes. It is non-migratory and usually stays within its breeding range, though it sometimes irrupts southward. It is one of the few owls that is neither nocturnal nor crepuscular, being active only during the day. This is the only living species in the genus Surnia of the family Strigidae, the "typical" owls. The species is sometimes called simply the hawk owl; however, many species of owls in the genus Ninox are also called "hawk owls".

Northern house wren

The northern house wren is a very small passerine in the wren family Troglodytidae. It is found in southern Canada, the USA and Mexico. It occurs in most suburban areas in its range. It formerly included many subspecies resident in South America and in the Caribbean that are now considered as separate species. The name troglodytes means "hole dweller", and is a reference to the bird's tendency to disappear into crevices when hunting insects or to seek shelter.

Northern jacana

The northern jacana or northern jaçana is a wader which is known as a resident breeder from coastal Mexico to western Panama, and on Cuba, Jamaica and Hispaniola in the Caribbean. It is sometimes known to breed in Texas, United States, and has also been recorded on several occasions as a vagrant in Arizona. The jacanas are a group of wetland birds, which are identifiable by their huge feet and claws, which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. In Jamaica, this bird is also known as the 'Jesus bird', as it appears to walk on water.