Coccyzus is a genus of cuckoos that occurs naturally in the Americas.
Those occurring in the tropical areas are mostly resident (non-migratory).
The northern species (such as Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos) migrate south to winter in Central or South America; and may wander to Western Europe.
They mostly inhabit subtropical or tropical dry and moist lowland forests, as well as mangroves.
Species:
- Dwarf Cuckoo, Coccyzus pumilus : Found in Brazil, Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela.
- Ash-colored Cuckoo, Coccyzus cinereus : Found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
- Black-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
- Pearly-breasted Cuckoo, Coccyzus euleri : Found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela.
- Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor
- Cocos Island Cuckoo, Coccyzus ferrugineus : Endemic to Cocos Island, an Island in the Pacific Ocean which is part of Costa Rica.
- Dark-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus melacoryphus
- Gray-capped Cuckoo, Coccyzus lansbergi : Found in Aruba, Colombia, Ecuador, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
- Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo, Coccyzus pluvialis
- Bay-breasted Cuckoo, Coccyzus rufigularis : Endemic to the island of Hispaniola
- Great Lizard Cuckoo, Coccyzus merlini
- Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo, Coccyzus vieilloti
- Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo, Coccyzus vetula
- Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo, Coccyzus longirostris : Found in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Description:
These cuckoos have slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Many have black and white undertail patterns.
Nesting / Breeding:
Unlike other cuckoos, these cuckoos typically build their own nests in trees; although Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos occasionally lay eggs in the nests of other birds. The average nest consists of 2 or more eggs.
Calls / Vocalization:
During the breeding season in particular, these cuckoos are very vocal and noisy and their persistent, loud calls can be heard.
Diet / Feeding:
These cuckoos mostly feed on large insects, including cicadas, wasps and caterpillars. The large Lizard Cuckoos mainly eat vertebrate prey, especially, as implied by the name – lizards.
