The squirrel cuckoo (Piaya cayana) possesses a sizable body and is known for its high level of activity. It boasts an impressively elongated tail, measuring 40.5 to 50 centimeters long (15.9 to 19.7 inches), and weighs between 95 to 120 grams (3.4 to 4.2 ounces). Fully grown individuals exhibit predominantly chestnut-colored upperparts and head, transitioning into a softer, almost delicate pink hue on the throat. The lower breast displays a gray shade, while the belly appears nearly black. The central tail feathers exhibit a rufous coloration, complemented by white tips on the outer feathers. Furthermore, the bird’s bill is yellow, and its eyes possess a captivating red hue.
Young birds exhibit a bill and eyering in shades of gray, along with a brown iris, and their tails display a reduced amount of white compared to adults.While resembling the Black-bellied Cuckoo, this species is set apart by its distinct features, including a yellow bill and a cap that matches the color of its back.
Squirrel Cuckoo prefer to live in forests and woodlands, in the canopy, and along forest edges. It also frequents coffee plantations, shrubbery, pastures with trees, areas along watercourses in dry regions, and also residential areas. Avoiding dry wooded areas.
Squirrel Cuckoo dine mainly on insects, cicadas, wasps, and caterpillars, sometimes taking spiders and small lizards. Very occasionally eating fruit.
During the breeding season, a shallow cup-shaped nest is built from sticks and leaves in dance foliage or trees. The female lays up to 3 eggs within and incubates along with the male for around 18 to 20 days. Chicks are fed and cared for by both sexes as well.
The squirrel cuckoo is plentiful in most of its range and appears to be quite tolerant of human disturbance, as long as woodland remains.
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