The Cuckoo-finch is a small, brood-parasitic bird found across sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its distinctive cuckoo-like breeding strategy, laying its eggs in the nests of other estrildid finches.
Where to spot
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, typically found in open grasslands, savannas, and cultivated areas, often near water sources.
How to spot
Look for its finch-like appearance and listen for its distinctive calls. It can be elusive but may be spotted feeding on grass seeds in open areas or perched on low vegetation.
When to spot
Year-round in most parts of its range, though breeding activity and visibility might increase during the wet season when host species are breeding.
Where to spot
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, typically found in open grasslands, savannas, and cultivated areas, often near water sources.
How to spot
Look for its finch-like appearance and listen for its distinctive calls. It can be elusive but may be spotted feeding on grass seeds in open areas or perched on low vegetation.
When to spot
Year-round in most parts of its range, though breeding activity and visibility might increase during the wet season when host species are breeding.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Unlike many brood parasites, the Cuckoo-finch chick does not eject the host's eggs or chicks; instead, it often coexists with them, which is unusual for a cuckoo-like species.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.