The Saint Helena cuckoo is an extinct bird. It was confirmed to have previously existed by a single humerus. Compared to other cuckoos, it was relatively small and it probably lived in forests on the island of Saint Helena. Its extinction was a result of deforestation on the island in the 18th century.
Region
South Atlantic Ocean
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Saint Helena, it probably occupied native woodland and thickets, including moist upland forests and sheltered valleys. Historical accounts and habitat reconstructions suggest the species favored the remaining patches of gumwood and cabbage-tree forests. Its range would have been restricted by the island’s small size and fragmentation of forest habitats. Progressive deforestation, browsing by introduced herbivores, and land-use change likely eliminated the habitats it required.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 820 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known only from a single humerus, the Saint Helena cuckoo represents one of the most fragmentarily known birds of the South Atlantic islands. It was unusually small for a cuckoo and likely inhabited native forest. The species is believed to have vanished in the 18th century as Saint Helena’s forests were cleared and degraded.
Temperament
unknown
Flight Pattern
unknown
Social Behavior
Specific social and breeding behavior is unknown due to the lack of historical observations. As with many forest cuckoos, it was likely secretive and difficult to detect. No information on nesting or brood parasitism is available.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
unknown
Plumage
unknown
Diet
By analogy with other small forest cuckoos, it likely fed on insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage and branches. Caterpillars, beetles, and orthopterans would have been probable prey. It may also have taken small invertebrates from bark and leaf litter. There is no direct dietary evidence, but its presumed forest lifestyle supports an insectivorous diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeding was probably concentrated within native woodland canopies and dense understory of upland forests and ravines. Edges of remaining forest patches and sheltered gullies would have offered foraging sites. Loss of these microhabitats likely curtailed its food resources.
