Home › Aves › Cuculidae › Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius)
SPECIES PROFILE
Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius)
Hierococcyx
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Indian subcontinent
DIET
Insectivorous
HABITAT
Forests woodlands urban gardens
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Cuculiformes
FAMILY
Cuculidae
GENUS
Hierococcyx
📋 Description
SIZE
34-36 cm long 80-110 g
COLORATION
Grey-brown upperparts white underparts hawk-like barring
ADAPTATIONS
Brood parasite mimics hawk flight to deceive hosts
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forests woodlands urban gardens
DIET
Insectivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Indian subcontinent
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
Hawk Mimics: Common Hawk-Cuckoos deceive with 90-gram bodies eating 20 grams of insects daily in Maharashtra's forests. Their hawk-like calls confuse hosts.
2
Monsoon Parasites: These cuckoos cover 3000 sq km in Karnataka's woodlands parasitizing babbler nests. Deforestation threatens their hosts.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka
Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary in Maharashtra
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
June-September Monsoon breeding enhances audibility for spotting cuckoos
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Listen for common hawk-cuckoos' shrill calls mimicking hawks
