Bay-breasted cuckoo

The bay-breasted cuckoo (Coccyzus rufigularis) is a species of cuckoo that is endemic to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. In the Dominican Republic, it is known locally as "cúa", the name coming from the call it makes, followed by a "u-ak-u-ak-ak-ak-ak-ak-ak ak-ak" sound.

Bay-breasted cuckoo
Coccyzus rufigularis perched on a tree, Dominican Republic
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Coccyzus
Species:
C. rufigularis
Binomial name
Coccyzus rufigularis
(Hartlaub, 1852)
Synonyms

Hyetornis rufigularis

Description

It has a length of roughly 45–50 centimetres (18–20 in). C. rufigularis possesses a curved bill, a burnt reddish throat and breast, a black tail, and white-tipped rectrices.

Habitat and diet

Its preferred habitat seems to be between dry forest and moist broadleaf forest. The bird is common to (sometimes arid) lowlands, and sightings have been reported in both mixed pine and montane rain forest. It preys on insects and anoles. The breeding period is short, which seems to be related to the onset of the wet season and arrival of cicadas, which are the most abundant food source for the species. The bay-breasted cuckoo is a very localised species, and individuals will not move very far from where they are born. There are only two confirmed breeding areas: near the villages of Puerto Escondido in Independencia Province, and Rio Limpio in Elías Piña Province.[2] There may still be other populations throughout the Dominican Republic, such as at El Tetero on the lower southern slope of the Cordillera Central, and on the edge of José del Carmen Ramírez National Park in San Juan Province, where there have been convincing local reports. Recently, there have also been records of individuals in Anacaona National Park (in La Vega Province), and in Sierra de Neiba National Park (also in San Juan Province), and it is likely that small breeding populations remain at these sites.

Threats

The population of C. rufigularis dramatically decreased during the 20th century. It has been completely extirpated from Gonâve Island, and most likely from Haiti. Population estimates have it between 2,500 and 10,000. The Dominican Republic has four conservation areas where this and other species can be protected. Only two of the sites are keeping records on the bird's condition, Sierra de Bahoruco and Nalga de Maco national parks.

References
  1. BirdLife International (2013). "Coccyzus rufigularis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. "BirdLife Species Factsheet: Bay-breasted Cuckoo Coccyzus rufigularis". BirdLife International. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
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