Birds
File:Cuculus solitarius 352392296.jpg

Red-chested Cuckoo

Red-chested Cuckoo

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The Solitary Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) is a distinctive species found across sub-Saharan Africa, recognized by its mournful, three-note whistle. Like most Old World cuckoos, it is a brood parasite, relying on other birds to raise its young.
Where to spot
Widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, preferring well-wooded areas, riverine forests, plantations, and even large gardens.
How to spot
Primarily identified by its unique, plaintive call. Visually, it resembles the Red-chested Cuckoo but typically has a more uniform grey back and brighter, more extensive rufous underparts extending further down the belly. They are often shy and difficult to spot.
When to spot
Most vocal and observable during the breeding season, which varies regionally but generally coincides with the rainy seasons (e.g., October-March in Southern Africa, or year-round in tropical areas).
File:Cuculus solitarius 352392296.jpg
File:Red-chested Cuckoo, Cuculus solitarius - at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. (6317268939).jpg
File:Red-chested Cuckoo, Cuculus solitarius - at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. (6317789262).jpg
File:Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) (46495971942).jpg
File:Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) in tree.jpg
File:Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) in tree crop.jpg
File:Red-chested cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) at Raptors View Wildlife Estate, Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa. (52467378481).jpg
File:Red-chested cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) female.jpg
File:Red-chested cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) female (cropped).jpg
File:Cuculus solitarius 352392296.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Red-chested Cuckoo, Cuculus solitarius - at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. (6317268939).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Red-chested Cuckoo, Cuculus solitarius - at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. (6317789262).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) (46495971942).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) in tree.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) in tree crop.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Red-chested cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) at Raptors View Wildlife Estate, Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa. (52467378481).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Red-chested cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) female.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Red-chested cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) female (cropped).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Its poignant call, often described as 'I'm so sad' or 'it will rain', is one of the most evocative sounds of the African bush and is particularly active at dusk and dawn.
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