Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) – A Comprehensive Study

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Cuculiformes
• Family: Cuculidae
• Genus: Cuculus
• Species: Cuculus micropterus

The Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) is a medium-sized bird belonging to the family Cuculidae. It is well-known for its distinct call, secretive nature, and brood parasitism, making it a fascinating species in the bird world.

Morphology & Physical Description

• Size: 32–34 cm in length
• Wingspan: 50–55 cm
• Weight: 100–130 grams
• Plumage:
  • Upperparts are greyish-brown
  • Underparts are whitish with bold dark barring
  • The tail is long, slightly graduated, and has prominent white tips
• Eyes: Yellow or golden in adults, giving an intense appearance
• Beak: Short, slightly curved, and dark in color
• Legs & Feet: Short, zygodactylous (two toes facing forward, two backward), helping in perching
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females appear similar, but females may show slight variations in plumage patterns

Habitat & Distribution

The Indian Cuckoo inhabits a variety of forested and semi-open landscapes, including:

• Tropical and subtropical forests
• Mangrove forests (such as those in the Sundarban)
• Woodlands, plantations, and secondary growth areas
• Riparian zones (along riverbanks)
• Hill forests and lower foothills

Presence in the Sundarban

The Sundarban, the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest, serves as a suitable habitat for the Indian Cuckoo. It is commonly found:

• In dense mangrove canopy, particularly on Sundari (Heritiera fomes) and Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha) trees
• Along riverbanks and estuarine edges, where it perches to call during the breeding season
• In areas with high insect activity, as it primarily feeds on caterpillars and other insects

The Indian Cuckoo is a summer visitor in some parts of India, but in the Sundarban, it is a resident species, found throughout the year, with peak activity in the breeding season.

Feeding Behavior & Diet

The Indian Cuckoo is primarily insectivorous, feeding on:

• Caterpillars (including hairy and toxic species)
• Beetles, grasshoppers, and locusts
• Spiders and other small arthropods
• Occasionally, it consumes berries and soft fruits

Foraging Strategy

• Uses a sit-and-wait approach, scanning foliage before striking
• Moves through the mid to upper canopy, rarely descending to the ground
• Prefers hairy caterpillars, which are avoided by other birds, making it a valuable pest controller

Breeding & Brood Parasitism

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Indian Cuckoo is its brood parasitism—it does not build its own nest but lays eggs in the nests of other bird species.

• Breeding Season: March to July
• Host Birds: Prefers drongos, babblers, crows, and warblers as foster parents
• Egg Mimicry: The Indian Cuckoo’s eggs closely resemble the host’s eggs, ensuring successful parasitism
• Chick Development: The cuckoo chick hatches earlier, often ejecting the host’s eggs or chicks to monopolize parental care

Vocalization & Communication

• The Indian Cuckoo has a loud and distinctive “bo-coo” or “whoop-whoop” call, repeated in a rhythmic pattern
• Calls intensify during the breeding season, often heard at dawn and dusk
• Males sing persistently to attract females and establish territories

Special Adaptations

1. Brood Parasitism: Avoids parental duties by relying on other species to raise its young.
2. Egg Mimicry: Ensures hosts do not detect foreign eggs in their nests.
3. Specialized Diet: Ability to eat toxic caterpillars gives it a competitive advantage.
4. Secretive Behavior: Often stays hidden in dense foliage, making it difficult to spot despite its calls.

Threats & Conservation Status

• Habitat destruction due to deforestation and coastal erosion in the Sundarban
• Climate change impacts, including rising sea levels affecting mangrove habitats
• Decline in host bird populations, which could reduce reproductive success
• Insecticide use, affecting prey availability

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

Despite threats, the Indian Cuckoo’s wide range and adaptability help maintain stable populations. Conservation of mangrove ecosystems like the Sundarban is crucial for sustaining this species in the long run.

Conclusion

The Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) is an enigmatic and vocal bird, well-adapted to life in the Sundarban mangrove ecosystem. Its brood parasitic nature, insect-based diet, and loud calls make it a unique part of the region’s avian diversity. Efforts to protect the Sundarban will ensure the continued survival of this remarkable cuckoo species in its natural habitat.