BIRD OF THE MONTH - Black-billed Cuckoo

Uncommon and elusive, the Black-billed Cuckoo skulks around densely wooded eastern forests and thickets. Its staccato song can be heard day and night, but getting a look at its slender brown body and namesake black bill may take a bit of patience. If it pops into view, notice its red eye ring and small white tips on the underside of its tail feathers.

On the breeding grounds, this ardent caterpillar-eater makes quick work of tent caterpillars and webworms. They often shake and hammer caterpillars against a branch to remove their spines before swallowing, but sometimes they swallow them spines and all. They tend to forage lower to the ground than Yellow-billed Cuckoos, occasionally even foraging on the ground.

They are secretive and tend to perch motionless for long periods, so finding one can be tricky. Listen for their staccato cuckoo song, which sounds clearer with less of a knocking quality than the similar Yellow-billed Cuckoo. When they do fly they have a graceful flight, flying on long and pointed wings. It is a long-distance migrant and migrates at night and frequently calls in flight.