Here at Hotel Rivel, nature’s soundtrack plays a constant role in your retreat experience. From the exuberant calls of toucans to the melodic whistles of wrens, our Costa Rican haven is teeming with avian wonders. Today, we turn our focus to a slightly more subtle resident, the aptly named Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus).

A Master of Camouflage

The Black-billed Cuckoo is a true artist of disguise. Its slender brown body and upperparts blend seamlessly with the dappled light filtering through the forest canopy. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself searching for a bird that seems to have vanished into thin air! Their strategy? Staying perfectly still for extended periods, often perching motionless on a branch.

Listen for the Tell-Tale Song

While spotting a Black-billed Cuckoo can be a delightful challenge, their presence is often announced by their distinctive song. Imagine a series of clear, staccato “cu-cu-cu” notes, lacking the knocking quality of its close relative, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo. These calls, particularly frequent at night during midsummer, can guide you towards this elusive songbird.

A Flash of Red and White

If fortune favors you with a glimpse of the Black-billed Cuckoo, keep your eyes peeled for these key identifiers:

• Red Eye Ring: A vibrant splash of color, the red orbital ring adds a touch of personality to their otherwise subdued plumage.
• Black Bill: As the name suggests, their bill is black and slightly downcurved, lending them a focused, determined air.
• White Tail Tips: Take a peek at their tail feathers from below – you might notice small white tips, offering another helpful clue to their identity.

A Forest Feast

Black-billed Cuckoos are insectivores with a particular fondness for caterpillars. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot these garden pests hiding amongst the leaves, making them natural allies in the fight against defoliators like tent caterpillars and fall webworms.

A Nest of Mystery

Unlike some notorious cuckoo relatives, the Black-billed Cuckoo tends to be a more responsible parent. While some cuckoo species are known for laying their eggs in other birds’ nests, Black-billed Cuckoos often choose to incubate their own young. However, the jury’s still out on how frequently this behavior occurs.

Encountering the Black-billed Cuckoo at Hotel Rivel

With its secretive nature, spotting a Black-billed Cuckoo at Hotel Rivel may require a bit of patience and keen observation. But keep your ears tuned for their song, and your eyes peeled for flashes of brown amidst the foliage. With a little luck, you might just catch a glimpse of this fascinating avian resident.

Tips for Birdwatching at Hotel Rivel:

• Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for birdwatching as temperatures are cooler and birds are more active.
• Follow the sounds! Let the birds’ calls guide you towards potential sightings.
• Invest in a good pair of binoculars to enhance your viewing experience.
• Be patient and still. Birds are easily spooked by sudden movements.
• Enjoy the experience! Birdwatching is a relaxing and rewarding activity, perfect for connecting with nature.

By following these tips and keeping your eyes peeled, you might just add the Black-billed Cuckoo to your personal Costa Rican birding list during your stay at Hotel Rivel. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your binoculars, and get ready to explore the wonders of the Costa Rican rainforest!

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)