| Squirrel Cuckoo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Piaya |
| Species | P. cayana |
| Conservation Status | |
 Least Concern | |
The Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana) is a species of cuckoo found throughout South America and the southern half of Mexico. Its characterized by its large tail made up of very large feathers.
Description[]
Its named after the surprising agility it displays when travelling through the forests and woodlands it call home. It sports a rusty orange-brown colour, spotted pattern on the tail's underside, and red eyes with surrounding greenish hues. Its a very active bird and isn't an uncommon sight, with its large size attributing to that. Contrary to some other species of cuckoo, which steal others birds nests, the Squirrel Cuckoo nests like regular birds, caring for its own chicks rather than forcing another bird to do the same.
Habitat[]
It is found in the humid tropics of South and North America, preferring areas with more dense vegetation. Countries they've been sighted include (but not limited to) are Mexico, Argentina, Columbia and most countries in the northern side of South America.
References[]
https://app.birda.org/species-guide/4065/Squirrel_Cuckoo
https://ebird.org/species/squcuc1/L440156
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Squirrel_Cuckoo/overview