Black-billed Cuckoo song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Black-billed Cuckoo, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

A distinctive, rapid, monotonous, and relatively low-pitched 'cu-cu-cu-cu-cu...' accelerating towards the end, often described as sounding like a wooden clapper. It lacks the 'k-k-k-kow-kow-kowp' song of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

Calls

Other calls include a soft 'coo-coo-coo' and a rapid, clicking 'tuk-tuk-tuk'. Alarm calls are typically sharper and more abrupt.

When they vocalize

Most vocal during the breeding season, particularly in the morning and evening, but can call throughout the day. Often calls more frequently when there is an abundance of caterpillars.

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