Black-billed Cuckoo
Coccyzus erythropthalmus
Coccyzus erythropthalmus 4
More often heard than seen, the Black-billed Cuckoo (11-12 inches) is most easily separated from the similar Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) by its solid brown wings, plain under-tail pattern, and all-black bill. Other field marks include a long tail, thin body, and black legs. Male and female Black-billed Cuckoos are similar at all seasons. The Black-billed Cuckoo breeds across much of the northeastern U.S. and southern Canada. All Black-billed Cuckoos spend the winter in South America, although this species’ winter range is poorly known due to its highly secretive nature. Some Black-billed Cuckoos have been found in the western U.S. during the fall migration, likely resulting from navigational errors. Black-billed Cuckoos breed in forests with plentiful undergrowth and clearings, particularly those near water. On migration, this species may be found in habitat similar to that inhabited during the summer months. Wintering Black-billed Cuckoos inhabit humid tropical forest. The diet of this species is composed primarily of large insects, including grasshoppers, cicadas, and caterpillars. Like many cuckoos, the Black-billed Cuckoo spends much of its time hidden in thick vegetation, where it is not easily seen. Lucky birdwatchers may observe this species slinking through the branches of tall trees while foraging for insect prey. Black-billed Cuckoos are primarily active during the day, but like many migratory birds, this species migrates at night.
Associations 5
Black-billed cuckoos are considered brood parasites. They will sometimes lay their eggs in the nests of other black-billed cuckoos. They have also been reported to lay their eggs in the nests of the yellow-billed cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus), chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina), American robins (Turdus migratorius), gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis), and wood thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina). There is little information on the effects of this parasitism on the host. Some studies show that black-billed cuckoo nestlings will eject or crowd out the nestlings of the host. Other brood parasites, including yellow-billed cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus) and brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), have been known to lay their eggs in the nests of black-billed cuckoos.
The only parasitic organism discovered in black-billed cuckoos is a nasal mite, Cytodites therae. However, more studies of this bird are necessary.
Ecosystem Impact: parasite
Species Used as Host:
- chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina)
- gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis)
- wood thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina)
- American robins (Turdus migratorius)
- yellow-billed cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus)
Commensal/Parasitic Species:
- yellow-billed cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus)
- brown cowbirds (Molothrus ater)
- nasal mites (Cytodites therae)
Habitat 6
Black-billed cuckoos are found in wooded areas and wetlands. They are also inhabitants of deciduous forests, where they prefer orchards and thickets, and habitats near natural water, such as a river, stream, or lake. Black-billed cuckoos have sometimes been found in urban and suburban settings on golf courses or in parks.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; tropical ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; scrub forest
Wetlands: marsh
Other Habitat Features: urban ; suburban ; agricultural ; riparian
Sources and Credits
- (c) Jerry Oldenettel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/7457894@N04/2677923655
- Not stated, no known copyright restrictions (public domain), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/BlackbilledCuckoo23.jpg
- (c) Wolfgang Wander (colors adjusted by Skiessi), some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/67/Black-billed-cuckoo2.jpg/460px-Black-billed-cuckoo2.jpg
- Adapted by Natalie LaScala from a work by (c) Smithsonian Institution, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/34818345
- (c) The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/31386881
- Adapted by Natalie LaScala from a work by (c) The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/31386874
