Bird
Klaas's Cuckoo
Chrysococcyx klaasKlaas's cuckoos are diminutive, emerald-sheened brood parasites found throughout sub-Saharan African woodlands, savannas, and suburban gardens. Males vocalize tirelessly during the breeding season with a repetitive, clear whistle that echoes from high tree canopies, signaling territory and enticing females. Rather than raising their own young, females quietly stalk small passerines such as sunbirds and warblers, replacing a host egg with their own in a matter of seconds.
Brood ParasiteIridescentArboreal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyHairy caterpillars, Winged termites, Beetles
Predators
- Small raptors
- Arboreal snakes
- Domestic cats
ThreatsDeforestation, woodland degradation, and broad-scale pesticide application affecting prey
HabitatsWoodlands, savannas, riverine forests, forest edges, and lush suburban gardens
Life span5–8 years
Classification
- OrderCuculiformes
- FamilyCuculidae
- GenusChrysococcyx
- SpeciesChrysococcyx klaas
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Locate calling males by scanning high, open perches after hearing their distinctive two-note whistle.
- Scan Canopies: Use binoculars to search mid-to-upper canopies where birds hunt motionless for caterpillars.
- Watch Host Nests: Observe small insectivorous birds mobbing intruders to spot cuckoos surveying potential nests.
Host (c) Derek Keats, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Host (c) Shaun Swanepoel, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Rudolph Steenkamp, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Rudolph Steenkamp · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Brian du Preez, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Brian du Preez · cc-by-sa
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