The Sunda cuckoo or Sunda lesser cuckoo is a South-east Asian bird belonging to the genus Cuculus in the cuckoo family, Cuculidae. It was formerly classified with the Himalayan cuckoo and Oriental cuckoo in a single species, C. saturatus, but is now often regarded as a separate species based on differences in voice, size and plumage.
Region
Sundaland (Greater Sunda Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in montane and submontane forests of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo, with records from highland ridges and mossy forest. It frequents forest interiors, edges, and mature secondary growth, and sometimes ventures into clearings or along stream corridors. The species is typically local but can be fairly common where suitable high-elevation habitat persists. It often remains high in the canopy, which makes it more often heard than seen.
Altitude Range
800–2700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sunda cuckoo is part of the former Cuculus saturatus complex and is now treated as a separate species based on distinct voice, size, and plumage. It is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of small passerines, leaving them to rear its young. It favors montane forests in the Greater Sunda Islands and can be surprisingly elusive despite its clear, whistled song.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with direct flight and rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Does not build a nest; instead, it parasitizes nests of small passerines, typically leaf-warblers and other cup-nesting forest birds. Usually seen alone or as quiet singles moving through the mid- to upper canopy. Breeding behavior centers on stealthy visits to host nests; males advertise with persistent songs.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a clear, whistled, disyllabic phrase repeated at measured intervals, often carrying far across mountain valleys. Notes are pure-toned and less booming than related Himalayan and Oriental cuckoos, aiding identification. Calls may accelerate in short series during territorial bouts.
