The Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo is a long, slender bird with a curved beak and an elongated, strikingly striped tail. Its plumage is mostly greyish brown, with reddish-brown underparts. Dark red skin around the eye give it a distinctive look.
As its name suggests, this bird is an expert lizard hunter. It stealthily moves through the forest, hopping between branches in search of small lizards, insects, and other prey. Unlike many cuckoos, it doesn’t parasitize nests but instead builds its own, often hidden in dense foliage. Its call is a series of low, rolling "kow-kow-kow" sounds, heard echoing through Puerto Rico’s forests.
Endemic to Puerto Rico, this cuckoo thrives in a variety of habitats, from dry lowland forests to lush mountain woodlands. It is a secretive bird, often staying out of sight despite its loud calls. Though not considered endangered, habitat loss remains a potential threat to its population.
As a fun way to conclude our special Puerto Rico Week celebration, we’re shining a spotlight on a design that brings together some of the island’s most extraordinary feathered residents. Our Birdorable Puerto Rico design is a colorful, cartoon-style tribute to the endemic... Read more »
Puerto Rico Week continues with the introduction of another amazing new Birdorable—say hello to the Birdorable Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo! This fascinating bird is another one of Puerto Rico’s 18 endemic bird species. The Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo stands out not only for... Read more »
