Bay-breasted cuckoo

The bay-breasted cuckoo (Coccyzus rufigularis) is a species of cuckoo that is endemic to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. In the Dominican Republic, it is known locally as "cúa", the name coming from the call it makes, followed by a "u-ak-u-ak-ak-ak-ak-ak-ak ak-ak" sound.

Bay-breasted cuckoo
Coccyzus rufigularis in the Dominican Republic
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Coccyzus
Species:
C. rufigularis
Binomial name
Coccyzus rufigularis
(Hartlaub, 1852)
Synonyms

Hyetornis rufigularis

Description

It has a length of roughly 45–50 centimetres (18–20 in). C. rufigularis possesses a curved bill, a burnt reddish throat and breast, a black tail, and white-tipped rectrices.

Habitat and diet

Its preferred habitat seems to be between dry forest and moist broadleaf forest. The bird is common to lowlands, sometimes arid lowlands, and sightings have been reported in mixed pine and montane rain forest. It feeds on insects and lizards. The breeding period is short, which seems to be related to the onset of the wet season and arrival of cicadas; cicadas are the most abundant food source for the bird. The bird is very localized, and does not spread out often. There are only two confirmed breeding areas, near the villages of Puerto Escondido and Rio Limpio.[2]

Threats

The population of C. rufigularis dramatically decreased during the 20th century. It has been completely extirpated from Gonâve Island, and most likely from Haiti. Population estimates have it between 2,500 and 10,000. The Dominican Republic has four conservation areas where this and other species can be protected. Only two of the sites are keeping records on the bird's condition, Sierra de Bahoruco and Nalga de Maco national parks.

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References
  1. BirdLife International (2013). "Coccyzus rufigularis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. "BirdLife Species Factsheet: Bay-breasted Cuckoo Coccyzus rufigularis". BirdLife International. Retrieved 19 March 2015.


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