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SPECIES PROFILE
Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus)
Cuculus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Indian subcontinent southeast Asia
DIET
Insectivorous
HABITAT
Forests woodlands scrub
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Cuculiformes
FAMILY
Cuculidae
GENUS
Cuculus
📋 Description
SIZE
28-30 cm long 80-100 g
COLORATION
Grey with barred underparts short wings
ADAPTATIONS
Brood parasite mimics hawk calls
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forests woodlands scrub
DIET
Insectivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Indian subcontinent southeast Asia
REPRODUCTION
Lays 1 egg in host nests incubated 12-14 days
DIET DETAILS
Insects caterpillars small invertebrates
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Brood parasitism habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Four-noted Callers: Indian Cuckoos parasitize with 90-gram bodies eating 25 grams of insects daily in Kerala's forests. Their four-note calls are distinctive.
2
Monsoon Parasites: These cuckoos cover 2000 sq km in Tamil Nadu's woodlands parasitizing drongo nests. Deforestation threatens their hosts.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala
Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
June-September Monsoon breeding enhances audibility for spotting cuckoos
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Listen for Indian cuckoos' four-note calls in woodlands
