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.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Hawk-like with grey-brown upperparts and strongly barred white underparts; breast and sides washed rufous. Tail long with dark bands and contrasting pale tips. Fine, dense barring on belly gives a sharp, accipiter-like look in flight.
Diet
Primarily consumes insects, especially caterpillars including hairy species that many birds avoid. Also takes beetles, orthopterans, and other soft-bodied arthropods gleaned from foliage and branches. Occasionally snaps prey in short sallies or picks it from trunks and twigs. Rarely, small fruits may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory and canopy of forests, edges, and well-treed secondary growth. Readily forages along forest margins, riparian woods, and in mature gardens and plantations.
