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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Mangrove Cuckoo

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Name

Mangrove Cuckoo

Scientific Name

(Coccyzus minor)

Why they are special:
  • A secretive tropical bird that is one of Florida’s most elusive residents.

  • Known for its distinctive low-pitched “coo-coo-coo” call and shy behavior, making it more often heard than seen.

Size and color:
  • Medium-sized cuckoo, 12–13 inches long.

  • Brown upperparts, pale underparts, black mask across the eyes, and a long tail with white tips.

  • Slim, slightly curved bill adapted for catching insects.

Seasonality in Florida:
  • Year-round resident, restricted to southern coastal areas and the Keys.

Habitat:
  • Prefers dense mangroves, coastal hammocks, and tidal creek edges.

  • Typically stays in the mid- to upper-canopy layers, remaining hidden in thick foliage.

Diet:
  • Primarily insects, including caterpillars and beetles; also eats small lizards and fruits.

  • Forages methodically through leaves and branches, often silently.

Behavior:
  • Skulking and secretive; rarely seen in open areas.

  • Nests in low to mid-canopy shrubs or small trees, using sticks and plant fibers.

Conservation notes:
  • Stable in Florida, but habitat loss from coastal development and mangrove removal can impact local populations.

Best time to see:
  • Year-round in southern Florida and the Keys, especially during early morning or late afternoon when calling activity peaks.

Fun Fact:
  • Despite their quiet and secretive nature, Mangrove Cuckoos have a surprisingly loud, rolling call that can carry through dense mangrove forests.

 

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