Wildlifeof Thailand
Hodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo
Cuculidae
Photo: Rejaul karim.rk · CC BY-SA 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Hierococcyx nisicolor
Basic stats
Diet
Insects, especially caterpillars
Habitat
Temperate and subtropical forest
Range
Himalayas to East Asia; winters in Southeast Asia
Size
28–30cm
Hodgson's hawk-cuckoo is a grey-brown, barred cuckoo with a yellow eye-ring and hawk-like outline. It breeds from the Himalayas into East Asian temperate and subtropical forest, with many birds moving south into Southeast Asia in winter. Secretive individuals search foliage for insects and caterpillars. The species is a brood parasite, laying eggs in the nests of small insect-eating birds (Wikipedia, general species account). It is Nationally Least Concern (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What does the Hodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo eat?
- Insects, especially caterpillars
- What habitat does the Hodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo live in?
- Temperate and subtropical forest
- Where is the Hodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo found?
- Himalayas to East Asia; winters in Southeast Asia
- How big is the Hodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo?
- 28–30cm