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Common Hawk-Cuckoo

Hierococcyx varius · Species of bird
Family
Order
Cuculiformes
Codes
cohcuc1, CHCU, COHC

About the Common Hawk-Cuckoo

The common hawk-cuckoo, popularly known as the brainfever bird, is a medium-sized cuckoo resident in the Indian subcontinent. It bears a close resemblance to the shikra, even in its style of flying and landing on a perch. The resemblance to hawks gives this group the generic name of hawk-cuckoo; like many other cuckoos, these are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of babblers. During their breeding season in summer males produce loud, repetitive three-note calls that are well-rendered as brain-fever, the second note being longer and higher pitched. These notes rise to a crescendo before ending abruptly and repeat after a few minutes; the calling may go on through the day, well after dusk and before dawn.

Source: Wikipedia

Taxonomy & Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderCuculiformes
FamilyCuckoos (Cuculidae)
SpeciesHierococcyx varius
Species Codescohcuc1, CHCU, COHC

Frequently Asked Questions

What family does the Common Hawk-Cuckoo belong to?

The Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) belongs to the Cuckoos family (Cuculidae), in the order Cuculiformes.

How can I identify the Common Hawk-Cuckoo?

The common hawk-cuckoo, popularly known as the brainfever bird, is a medium-sized cuckoo resident in the Indian subcontinent. It bears a close resemblance to the shikra, even in its style of flying and landing on a perch. The resemblance to hawks gives this group the generic name of hawk-cuckoo; lik...

Where can I report a Common Hawk-Cuckoo sighting?

You can log sightings of Common Hawk-Cuckoo on eBird (ebird.org) using species code cohcuc1, or on iNaturalist.