Birds
Squirrel Cuckoo
Piaya cayana
Bounding through branches with a long reddish-brown tail trailing behind, a squirrel cuckoo moves more like its mammalian namesake than a typical bird as it hunts caterpillars across Neotropical forest.
Overview
The squirrel cuckoo, Piaya cayana, is a Least Concern bird found across forest habitat from Mexico through Central America into much of South America. Its long reddish-brown tail, agile squirrel-like movement through branches, and habit of raising its own young rather than relying on brood parasitism make it one of the more behaviourally conventional members of the cuckoo family.
A bird that moves like a mammal
The squirrel cuckoo’s bounding, branch-to-branch movement through the forest canopy bears a striking resemblance to a squirrel’s agile climbing style, a visual comparison reinforced by its long, trailing tail.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable forest habitat throughout its extensive range from Mexico to South America.
Squirrel Cuckoo: common questions
Why is it called the squirrel cuckoo?
Its agile, bounding movement through branches, combined with a long reddish-brown tail trailing behind it, resembles a squirrel more than a typical bird, inspiring the species' common name.
Does the squirrel cuckoo lay its eggs in other birds' nests?
No, unlike some other cuckoo species known for brood parasitism, the squirrel cuckoo builds its own nest and raises its own young.
What does the squirrel cuckoo eat?
It is an insectivore, gleaning caterpillars and other insects from vegetation as it moves through the forest.
Where is the squirrel cuckoo found?
It ranges from Mexico through Central America and much of South America, favoring forest habitat.