Large Hawk-Cuckoo
Hierococcyx sparverioides
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<birdfyi-bird slug="hierococcyx-sparverioides"></birdfyi-bird>The Large Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx sparverioides) is a bird species in the family Cuculidae (cuckoos), within the order Cuculiformes (cuckoos). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 47 cm and a weight of 144.8 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
Large Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx sparverioides) — 38–42 cm. The largest hawk-cuckoo; grey above; whitish below with heavy rufous streaking; barred tail. Inhabits forest and forest edge from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia and China. Migratory. Brood parasite. Insectivore. Famous for its 'brain-fever' call accelerating to a frenzied pitch.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 47.0 cm | 18.5 in |
| Weight | 144.75 g | 5.11 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Large Hawk-Cuckoo: gray-brown above; white below with rufous streaking; hawk-like; long tail; yellow eye-ring; large size; streaked
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: NO. Incubation: 13-14 days. Fledging: 19-20 days.
Sound
Song
Loud, far-carrying call; powerful resonant notes carrying across dense forest in South Asia. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes (Cuckoos) |
| Family | Cuculidae (Cuckoos) |
| Genus | Hierococcyx |
| Species | Hierococcyx sparverioides |
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Large Hawk-Cuckoo endangered?
How does the Large Hawk-Cuckoo nest?
What does the Large Hawk-Cuckoo sound like?
How big is the Large Hawk-Cuckoo?
What order and family does the Large Hawk-Cuckoo belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Cuculidae family