Here at Hotel Rivel, nature’s soundtrack is ever-changing. From the raucous calls of the toucans to the melodic whistles of the wrens, our Costa Rican haven boasts a symphony of birdlife. Today, we turn our ears to a more subtle vocalist, the aptly named Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).

A Master of Camouflage

While not the most vibrantly colored bird, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a marvel of cryptic beauty. Imagine a slender, robin-sized bird (10.2-11.8 inches) with rich, warm brown feathers blanketing its back. Its underside is a canvas of clean white, a feature it cleverly conceals by hunching its shoulders when perched. A striking black mask graces its face, offset by a bright yellow ring around its eyes – a beacon that gives the bird its name. The long, slightly downcurved yellow bill adds a touch of elegance.

Spotting a Yellow-billed Cuckoo can be a challenge. These are birds of the dense foliage, preferring the leafy confines of deciduous woodlands and riparian areas. They’re masters of staying hidden, often sitting motionless for extended periods, blending seamlessly with the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.

The Song of the Rain Crow

But just because they’re shy, doesn’t mean they’re silent. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a vocalist, earning nicknames like “Rain Crow” and “Storm Crow” in the southern United States due to its calls often preceding downpours. Their song is a slow, rolling coo, described as hoarse and guttural, quite distinctive amidst the rainforest’s chorus.

A Caterpillar Connoisseur

Birdwatchers who manage to spot a Yellow-billed Cuckoo will likely see it perched high in the trees. These birds are expert insectivores, with a particular fondness for large, hairy caterpillars – a meal most other birds avoid. Their slow and methodical foraging technique allows them to meticulously search branches for these spiky treats.

A Brood Parasite with a Twist

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo’s breeding habits are fascinating. Unlike their infamous European cousin, they don’t lay their eggs in other birds’ nests. Instead, they build their own, a flimsy platform of twigs hidden deep within the trees. However, they are asynchronous layers, meaning they lay their eggs one at a time, over a period as long as five days! This creates an interesting situation where the eldest chick might be ready to fledge by the time the youngest hatches. In times of food scarcity, the male might remove the youngest chick from the nest, but unlike some cuckoo relatives, they don’t feed it to the older siblings.

A Declining Songbird

Sadly, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo populations have been steadily declining, particularly in the western parts of North America. Habitat loss due to deforestation is a major threat. Here at Hotel Rivel, nestled within the lush Costa Rican mountains, we’re fortunate to have these secretive songsters as part of our vibrant avifauna.

So, on your next nature walk through our pristine rainforests, keep your ears tuned for the slow, guttural coo. With a bit of patience, you might just catch a glimpse of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a master of camouflage and a vital player in the rainforest’s intricate food web.

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

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