Ornithologists recognize four Squirrel Cuckoo subspecies groups: the “West Mexico” group restricted to western Mexico; the “Middle America” group, found from eastern Mexico to northwestern Colombia; the “nigricrissa” group, stretching from western Colombia to northwestern Peru; and the widespread “Amazonian” group, occurring across much of South America (and not just the Amazon region). These groups differ mainly in size, plumage color, and undertail pattern. The “West Mexico” group, which is sometimes considered a separate species, is the most distinctive, with rusty undertail feathers with black bands and white tips. The other subspecies groups all have black undertail feathers with broad white tips.
Identification
Powered by Merlin
Very striking and long-tailed bright rusty cuckoo, widespread in tropical lowlands and locally up into foothills. No similar species in Mexico and Central America. Occurs in a wide range of wooded and forest edge habitats. Mostly forages stealthily at mid-upper levels in trees, where can be surprisingly difficult to see. Often seen swooping across roads and eliciting a ‘wow’ reaction. Underside of white-tipped tail feathers is rusty overall in West Mexico, blackish overall in other areas.
Relative Size
Larger than a Yellow-billed Cuckoo and smaller than a Plain Chachalaca.
between robin and crowMeasurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 15.8-19.7 in (40-50 cm)
- Weight: 2.6-4.8 oz (73-137 g)
