Large hawk-cuckoo

The large hawk-cuckoo is a captivating bird species found across temperate Asia, ranging from the Himalayas to East Asia. Known for their loud calls, these birds are larger than the common hawk-cuckoo and can be easily identified by a distinctive black patch on their chin.

One of the most intriguing aspects of their behavior is their role as brood parasites. They lay their eggs in the nests of babblers and laughing thrushes, leaving the unsuspecting host birds to raise their young. Interestingly, laughing thrushes have developed the ability to detect and remove the cuckoo's eggs to protect their own offspring.

Large hawk-cuckoos have an extensive range, inhabiting countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. There's a subspecies called H. s. bocki found in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, which some consider a separate species known as the dark hawk-cuckoo.

During the summer, these cuckoos are particularly vocal, often calling well into the evening. However, they become silent once they reach their wintering grounds. Their ability to mimic the eggs of their host birds is a remarkable adaptation that helps ensure the survival of their species.