Squirrel Cuckoo

*@ Carrt. El Tajo, Yucatan, MX

The Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) is a large and active species of cuckoo found in wooded habitats from northwestern Mexico to northern Argentina and Uruguay, as well as on Trinidad. It has a striking appearance with a long tail and bright rusty plumage. Unlike other similar species, there are no close relatives of the Squirrel Cuckoo in Mexico and Central America. These cuckoos occur in a wide range of wooded and forest edge habitats, foraging stealthily at mid-upper levels in trees. They are often seen swooping across roads, eliciting a sense of wonder. The underside of their white-tipped tail feathers is rusty overall in West Mexico and blackish overall in other areas.

Squirrel Cuckoo Distribution Map (from eBird)

PHOTO GALLERY

@ Dzilam González, Yucatan, MX

@ Rancho Naturalista, Cartago, Costa Rica

@ Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary - Spanish Creek, Belize District, Belize

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