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'''Young''': Altricial but alert and active within minutes of hatching. Shiny black skin, no down. | '''Young''': Altricial but alert and active within minutes of hatching. Shiny black skin, no down. | ||
==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
| − | + | Breeding migrant found throughout the [[United States]], but losing habitat in the west due to destruction of riparian woodlands. Not to be expected in [[Canada]]. Breeds locally in [[Mexico]], and possibly in the northern half of [[Central America]]. Recent results suggest that at least part of the US population after having bred in early parts of summer migrates to north-western Mexico where a second round of breeding takes place before the birds go on the final migration to their winter home. | |
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| + | Vacates [[North America]] including Mexico and winters in southern Central America and especially in [[South America]]. | ||
==Taxonomy== | ==Taxonomy== | ||
Monotypic<sup>[[#References|[1]]]</sup> | Monotypic<sup>[[#References|[1]]]</sup> | ||
Revision as of 02:34, 27 October 2009
- Coccyzus americanus
Identification
An uncommon, secretive bird. Named for the yellow on the lower mandible of its somewhat decurved bill. The underparts of this bird are contrasting white and the primaries are rufous. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo's tail is barred in large distinctive white spots similar to the Mangrove Cuckoo. Once known as "Raincrow" due to its apparent tendency to call more frequently on stormy days. Young: Altricial but alert and active within minutes of hatching. Shiny black skin, no down.
Distribution
Breeding migrant found throughout the United States, but losing habitat in the west due to destruction of riparian woodlands. Not to be expected in Canada. Breeds locally in Mexico, and possibly in the northern half of Central America. Recent results suggest that at least part of the US population after having bred in early parts of summer migrates to north-western Mexico where a second round of breeding takes place before the birds go on the final migration to their winter home.
Vacates North America including Mexico and winters in southern Central America and especially in South America.
Taxonomy
Monotypic[1]
Habitat
Found in woodlands with clearings, usually with water or wet regions.
Behaviour
Moves about stealthily in dense foliage, rarely perching in the open.
Diet
Gleans insects, notably hairy caterpillars, from leaves and branches. Extremely fond of tent caterpillars, important for keeping outbreaks of the insects under control.
Breeding
The young develop incredibly quickly - the entire period from egg laying to fledging lasts only 17 days. On day 6 or 7 after hatching, the feathers of the young burst out of their sheaths, allowing the nestling to become fully feathered in only 2 hours
Vocalisation
Gives a wooden-sounding, guttural ku-ku-ku-kddowl-kddowl or a deep cloom similar to a dove.
References
- Clements, JF. 2008. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2008. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
