The red-chested cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is a medium-sized bird found in Africa, south of the Sahara. In Afrikaans, it is known as "Piet-my-vrou", after its call.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa in a variety of wooded habitats, including forest edges, riverine thickets, moist savanna, and well-treed gardens and plantations. It avoids the most arid open landscapes but occurs wherever there is sufficient tree and shrub cover. Birds in equatorial regions can be resident, while southern populations are seasonal visitors. It is frequently heard more than seen, remaining within mid to upper canopy levels.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The red-chested cuckoo is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other birds such as robin-chats, thrushes, prinias, and bulbuls. Its famous three-note call, often rendered as 'Piet-my-vrou' in Afrikaans, carries far and is most frequently heard at the onset of the rainy season. It specializes in eating hairy caterpillars that many birds avoid, often regurgitating the toxic hairs as pellets. Despite being secretive, it is more often detected by voice than by sight.
Temperament
secretive and territorial when calling
Flight Pattern
direct, swift flight with short glides
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside the breeding season. As a brood parasite, the female lays single eggs in the nests of various host species and does not build a nest or provide parental care. Courtship is discreet, with males calling persistently to attract females.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A clear, far-carrying three-note whistle descending slightly, often transcribed as 'Piet-my-vrou'. Calls are repeated at regular intervals, especially at dawn and after rain, and can continue for long periods.
Plumage
Smooth, plain slate-grey head and upperparts with a long, graduated tail; underparts are rich rufous to chestnut with paler belly and slight barring toward the flanks. Tail shows bold white spots and tips when spread.
Diet
Primarily feeds on caterpillars, including hairy and toxic species that many birds avoid. Also takes beetles, grasshoppers, termites, and other soft-bodied insects, gleaned from foliage and branches. It may occasionally consume other arthropods and small invertebrates. Indigestible hairs and spines are expelled as compact pellets.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid to upper levels of trees and tall shrubs along forest edges, riparian corridors, and well-wooded savannas. It also visits orchards and large gardens where caterpillars are abundant.
