Species · GBIF taxon 2496432
Squirrel Cuckoo
Piaya cayanaAlso known as Common Squirrel Cuckoo, Cayenne Cuckoo
Squirrel cuckoos are large, elegant canopy-dwellers that leap gracefully through branches, using their long tails for balance in a manner that closely mimics tree squirrels. Their plumage features a warm chestnut-brown upper body, a pale grey belly, and a striking black-and-white banded tail underneath. They are highly vocal birds, often giving away their presence in dense foliage with loud, explosive calls.
ArborealVocalInsectivorous
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Caterpillars
- Cicadas
- Walking sticks
Predators
- Raptors
- Snakes
- Large monkeys
ThreatsDeforestation and habitat fragmentation
HabitatsTropical forests, woodlands, mangroves, and shaded plantations
Life spanApproximately 5 to 8 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCuculidae
- SpeciesPiaya cayana
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 them by their sharp, explosive calls before trying to spot them in the dense canopy.
- Watch the movement: Look for a long-tailed silhouette leaping fluidly from branch to branch like a squirrel.
Image unavailableClose Relative Close Relative 
Family Member (c) Esteban Poveda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Esteban Poveda · cc-by
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