The Sulawesi cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is often known as the Sulawesi hawk-cuckoo but appears not to be related to the other hawk-cuckoos. It is endemic to Sulawesi Island in Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist montane forests across Sulawesi, favoring mature evergreen and mossy forests. It keeps to the mid- and upper canopy and is most active along ridgelines, forest edges, and near clearings within intact forest. The species can use lightly disturbed montane forest but is tied to closed-canopy habitats. It is scarce to uncommon and easily overlooked due to its secretive behavior.
Altitude Range
800–2300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Sulawesi hawk-cuckoo, it is not closely related to true hawk-cuckoos despite the name. It is a shy, canopy-dwelling cuckoo of Sulawesi’s montane forests and is most often detected by its distinctive whistles. Like many Cuculus cuckoos, it is presumed to be a brood parasite, though specific host species are poorly documented. Vocalizations are key for surveys because the bird is elusive and seldom seen.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly within forest canopies. Breeding biology is poorly known, but it is presumed to be a brood parasite like other Cuculus cuckoos. Territorial calling increases during the breeding season, with males advertising from concealed perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, mellow whistles, often rising slightly and repeated at measured intervals. Calls carry well through montane forest and are given most frequently at dawn and dusk. The song is distinctive locally and useful for detection.
Plumage
Upperparts are grey-brown with a darker, finely barred tail; underparts are pale with fine grey to brown barring giving a hawk-like look. Throat is paler, sometimes subtly contrasting with the breast. The tail shows narrow white tips, and the wings are rounded with darker flight feathers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects, especially caterpillars including hairy species that many birds avoid. Also takes beetles, orthopterans, and other arboreal arthropods gleaned from foliage and branches. Foraging is deliberate, with occasional short sallies to snatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of montane forest, along forest edges, and occasionally at gaps and along streams within forest. Often uses shaded, dense foliage where it remains inconspicuous.
