Bay-breasted cuckoo


The bay-breasted cuckoo is a species of cuckoo that is endemic to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. It has a length of roughly . C. rufigularis possesses a curved bill, a burnt reddish throat and breast, a black tail, and white-tipped rectrices. In the Dominican Republic, it is known locally as "cúa", the name coming from the call it makes, followed by a "u-ak-u-ak-ak-ak-ak-ak-ak ak-ak" sound.
Its preferred habitat seems to be between dry forest and moist broadleaf forest. The bird is common to lowlands, sometimes arid lowlands, and sightings have been reported in mixed pine and montane rain forest. It feeds on insects and lizards. The breeding period is short, which seems to be related to the onset of the wet season and arrival of cicadas; cicadas are the most abundant food source for the bird. The bird is very localized, and does not spread out often. There are only two confirmed breeding areas, near the villages of Puerto Escondido and Rio Limpio.

Threats

The population of C. rufigularis dramatically decreased during the 20th century. It has been completely extirpated from Gonâve Island, and most likely from Haiti. Population estimates have it between 2,500 and 10,000. The Dominican Republic has four conservation areas where this and other species can be protected. Only two of the sites are keeping records on the bird's condition, Sierra de Bahoruco and Nalga de Maco national parks.