The squirrel cuckoo is a large and active species of cuckoo found in wooded habitats from northwestern Mexico to northern Argentina and Uruguay, and on Trinidad. Some authorities have split off the western Mexican form as the Mexican squirrel-cuckoo.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from northwestern Mexico south through Central America and much of South America to northern Argentina and Uruguay, and on Trinidad. It favors forest edges, secondary growth, gallery forests, and semi-open woodlands, often near human-modified landscapes such as plantations and large gardens. Common in both humid and drier tropical forests, especially in mid-story to canopy levels. Frequently seen moving along vines and branches rather than crossing large open gaps.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its habit of bounding squirrel-like through branches with its long tail held aloft, the squirrel cuckoo is conspicuous despite spending much time in the mid-story. It is a non-parasitic New World cuckoo that builds its own nest and raises its young. Several subspecies are recognized across its wide range, and some authorities treat the western Mexican form as a separate species (Mexican squirrel-cuckoo).
Squirrel cuckoo with a large caterpillar. Note the yellow eye-ring (the eye itself is reddish), typical of the subspecies from Mexico, Central America, and northern and western South America
Temperament
active and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with gliding between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or family groups, often accompanying mixed-species flocks. Builds a shallow twig nest in trees or dense vegetation; both parents incubate and feed the young. Not a brood parasite; clutch is typically small (about two eggs).
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives loud, clear, piping whistles that may accelerate or descend in pitch. Also produces chattering calls and repeated pee-pee or qwip notes that carry through the forest.
Plumage
Rufous upperparts with a paler rufous to buff underbody and a very long, graduated tail. Tail shows dark subterminal bands with bold white tips, creating a striking pattern in flight. Wings are warm rufous; throat often slightly paler or grayish-buff.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as katydids, cicadas, grasshoppers, caterpillars (including hairy species), and beetles. Also takes spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards and tree frogs. Will supplement its diet with berries and other soft fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and canopy of forests, edges, second growth, and plantations. Often moves along branches and vines, sallying short distances to seize prey from foliage or bark.
