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Dideric Cuckoo

100

3 months ago door jenny van Dorland

Points: 100

Spotted

The Diederik Cuckoo is a small, brightly colored cuckoo found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Males are iridescent green above with white and green barring below, and a distinctive eye-stripe. It is named after its characteristic call.

Where to spot

Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and even suburban gardens, often near water sources. It is often found in areas with suitable host nests.

How to spot

Listen for its loud, characteristic call, which is often the first indication of its presence. Look for its iridescent plumage as it perches conspicuously on telephone wires, fences, or exposed branches, often flicking its tail.

When to spot

Most easily observed during the breeding season, which varies by region but generally coincides with the rainy season when host birds (like weavers) are nesting and insects are abundant.

Where to spot

Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and even suburban gardens, often near water sources. It is often found in areas with suitable host nests.

How to spot

When to spot

Most easily observed during the breeding season, which varies by region but generally coincides with the rainy season when host birds (like weavers) are nesting and insects are abundant.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

The Diederik Cuckoo gets its common name directly from its distinctive, repetitive 'dee-dee-dee-derik' call, which is a common sound in its African savanna and woodland habitats.

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