The white-eared bronze cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It was formerly placed in the genus Chrysococcyx. It is found in New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the montane regions of New Guinea in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. It favors forest edges, mossy and secondary forests, and shrubby clearings, and can also appear in highland gardens. The species is often inconspicuous, keeping to mid-levels of the canopy while foraging. It tolerates a degree of habitat disturbance, provided some tree cover and undergrowth remain.
Altitude Range
1000–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Meyer's bronze-cuckoo, it is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of small passerines. The conspicuous white ear patch on a dusky head distinguishes it from other bronze-cuckoos. It often frequents forest edges and secondary growth, where it forages quietly for caterpillars.
Temperament
solitary and inconspicuous
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs and often remains quiet within foliage. It is a brood parasite, depositing eggs in the nests of small passerines such as gerygones and related warblers. Courtship and territorial displays are subtle, relying more on vocalizations than visual shows.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched whistles and repetitive piping notes that carry through montane forest. Phrases are simple and repeated at intervals, often delivered from a concealed perch.
Plumage
Glossy bronze-green upperparts with white underparts finely barred dark green to brown; tail dark with pale tips. Head dusky with a clean white ear patch and a narrow dark eye-line; subtle pale supercilium may be present.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects, especially caterpillars, including hairy species avoided by many birds. Also takes beetles, moths, and other small arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. Occasionally sallies to catch flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in secondary growth, and among mid-canopy foliage. Often hunts from low to mid-level perches, moving methodically through shrubs and small trees.
