Mangrove cuckoo

The Mangrove Cuckoo is a captivating bird native to the Neotropics. Identifiable by its long tail, brown upper body, black-and-white underparts, and distinctive black curved bill with a yellow lower mandible, it also sports a prominent yellow ring around its eye. Contrary to what its scientific name might imply, it is the largest of North America's three Coccyzus cuckoos. Adult Mangrove Cuckoos measure between 28 and 34 cm in length, weigh approximately 64 to 102 grams, and have a wingspan of 38 to 43 cm.

These birds prosper in mangrove swamps and hammocks. They typically construct their nests about 2 to 3 meters above water, often selecting a mangrove or tree fork. The nest itself is a simple flat platform crafted from twigs and leaves. The female typically lays 2 to 4 eggs, and both parents share the responsibility of feeding their young.

Mangrove Cuckoos inhabit southern Florida, the Caribbean, both coasts of Mexico and Central America, and the Atlantic coast of South America up to the mouth of the Amazon River.

In terms of diet, these birds primarily consume caterpillars and grasshoppers but also enjoy other insects, spiders, snails, small lizards, and even fruit. Their call is quite distinctive—a guttural "gawk gawk gawk gawk gauk gauk" or sometimes just a single "whit."