Wednesday 10 May 2017

Wild Bird Wednesday 250 (!) - Common Hawk-cuckoo

We are still in India and still at the Sultanpur National Park for the 250th edition of Wild Bird Wednesday.

And I am still too busy for a long post!  Anyway.........

These birds are Common Hawk-cuckoos (Hierococcyx varius).  This species is also known as the 'Brain Fever' bird - as its call sounds like the words brain fever, repeated over and over again!

Like most cuckoos these birds are brood parasites, often laying their eggs in the nests of Babblers.  This species has evolved to minic sparrowhawk-like birds of prey in flight, which often causes smaller birds to panic and start alarm calling when the cuckoo passes.  Maybe this helps the cuckoo locate nests to lay it's eggs in.

This birds are about 34cm long and can be seen over much of India.









As ever, you can join in with WBW by clicking the blue button that will appear at the bottom of the page.  Cheers  SM



26 comments:

  1. Fascinating and handsome bird, but I'm wishing for sound as I can't imagine 'brain fever' coming from it. Wonder if I can google or you tube? I will try. Thank you for hosting especially as always when you are so busy.

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  2. The top photo is stunning. His eye is luminous.

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  3. Wow, what a fascinating bird, Stewart! Reminds me of our local Cooper's Hawk a bit in appearance. Sounds like you are on a wonderful adventure. Thank you for taking the time to share a bit of it with us!

    Hi, Sallie! Long time no hear (which is my fault!). Here's a link that might give you an idea of what this cool bird sounds like: http://www.xeno-canto.org/species/Hierococcyx-varius.

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  4. It has a fierce stare! Great shots.

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  5. Interesting bird and great photos. Cheers Diane

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  6. Nice one Stewart, looks like a cross between a Sparrow hawk and a Cuckoo.
    Take care.Gordon.

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  7. Cette série sur le coucou est très belle ;-)
    Céline & Philippe

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  8. great photos of very interesting birds.

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  9. you used light so perfectly... this is making pictures outstanding...

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  10. Great photos! Wonderful bird!

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  11. Hi Stewart, what an amazing bird this is for me! I love cuckoos and I love raptors and this is two-in-one! Thanks for hosting this meme. I've added my link. Greetings Jo (South Africa)

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  12. He's an intense looking chap, isn't he? I think I'd call in alarm, too! Great captures, Stewart - congrats on 250! wow!

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  13. His coloring is a little like the Kestrel (often called the Sparrow Hawk), but no hooked beak or long talons ... so even if the birds are fooled, I am not. He is handsome in spite of his bad behaviors. One has to wonder why this habit emerged as it seems so distasteful. Perhaps the smaller bird need some form of birth control in order to minimize their numbers ... just spitting in the wind for the fun of it :) Hope you get unbusy so you can relax and enjoy :)

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  14. strange bird, but I can see where the name came from :) Interesting!

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  15. Stewart, what an interesting hawk. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. Interesting bird! What a sharp eye!

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  17. As you know, I have a thing for hawks, Stewart and this one is a handsome specimen. A great series of pix!!...:)JP

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  18. You find the most interesting birds!
    Though I must say, I listened to a few recordings and like most bird mnemonics, I just don't get it.
    Time for a hearing test!...or a brain check...

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  19. Mother Nature is a very clever lady! :)

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  20. Very interesting! This bird really does have mean look on it's face.
    Great photos Stewart!

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  21. I have never seen this bird Stewart but he is certainly handsome. Thanks foor hosting. I am sorry these days I do not have the same time to comment on all your posts due to recent events but I appreaciae you posts and your comments on mine.

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  22. Pretty bird..didn't look anything like a Hawk until the last series of shots...nice get..
    No birdies this week..Happy Mothers Day

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  23. Quite a striking bird. Anything with the name cuckoo in it is a favorite of mine.

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  24. Wonderful birds - I've never seen a cuckoo - that would be so neat.

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