Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo Coccyzus longirostris Scientific name definitions

Confined to the island of Hispaniola and several of its satellites, the Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo is one of four species often placed in the genus Saurothera, all of which occur in the northern West Indies. This lizard-cuckoo is widespread across virtually the entire island, being found in all types of woodland, including gardens and plantations, and reaching as high as 2200 m. However, significant local population declines have been noted in some areas, especially in the west of the island, in parts of Haiti. Observers’ attention is usually first drawn to the species by its distinctive, harsh, somewhat staccato vocalizations, given as this large bird moves slowly and deliberately through the midstory or canopy. The long, white-tipped tail, reddish-brown wing patch, and prominently-hooked bill are particularly noticeable field characters. The Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo’s diet principally consists of lizards and large insects, which are chased clumsily through the branches. Its nest is an untidy structure, usually well hidden, and the species breeds in March–June.

41–46 cm; male 83·4–99·5 g, female 92·5–128·5 g. Adult grey above , wings chestnut with rufous patch, throat rufous, breast pale grey, belly rufous, long tail with broad white tips; bare skin around eye red , iris brown, bill long and straight, black above, pale below , feet grey. Juvenile similar, but throat whitish, with brownish-grey upperparts, browner tail with narrower feathers and buff tips. Race petersi paler below, throat whitish, and also has paler upperparts.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Insects (especially grasshoppers, mantids, also caterpillars, cockroach, cicadas, damselflies), small snakes and lizards. Forages in midstorey and canopy, moving with long strides through branches, also creeps and crawls through dense branches near ground; rests quietly for minutes; inquisitive and fearless. Occasionally joins mixed-species flocks.

Rattling, grating call  , like that of C. merlini, in descending series; also a harsh “tchk”, a click, and a “tick cwuh-h-h”.

Season generally Mar–Jun. Breeding records in May (eggs), Jun (fledgling) and Dec (grown juvenile). Nest a flat platform of leaves, placed on stump of a tree, just 50 cm above ground (presumably sometimes higher). Eggs 2–3, pale blue with a thin white layer; 36·7 mm × 25·4 mm. No further information.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Common to fairly common within rather restricted range. Rural people eat the flesh of this cuckoo in the traditional belief that it will promote appetite and cure indigestion.