• Skip to Content
  • Skip to Main Navigation
  • Skip to Local Navigation
  • Skip to Search
  • Skip to Sitemap
  • Skip to Footer

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus ORDER: CUCULIFORMES FAMILY: CUCULIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Black-billed Cuckoo Photo

© Michael J.Hopiak/CLO

Common but secretive, the Black-billed Cuckoo is heard far more often than seen. During the breeding season, this forest dwelling caterpillar-eater often calls throughout the night.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Crows and Jays-like
Crows and Jays-like
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Slender, long-tailed bird colored in soft browns and grays.
  • Bill all black.

Immature Description

Resemble adults, but more brownish with less distinct tail pattern. Primaries with cinnamon tinge. Orbital ring yellowish.

Range Map Help

Black-billed Cuckoo Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Yellow-billed Cuckoo has yellow lower mandible, a prominent rufous patch in the wings, a yellow eye ring, and much larger white spots under the darker tail feathers.