The Hodgson’s Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx nisicolor) is a medium-sized, shy cuckoo species found across South and Southeast Asia. It is named after the British naturalist Brian Houghton Hodgson and is best known for its “hawk-like” appearance and its unique survival strategy as a brood parasite.
Appearance: Adults have slate-grey upperparts and white underparts with rufous-orange blotches and streaks on the breast. They feature a distinct yellow eye-ring and a grey tail with four black bands.
Deceptive Behavior: As a brood parasite, it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, such as niltavas and babblers. To ensure its survival, the chick evicts the host’s biological offspring.
“Wing Gape” Strategy: To trick foster parents into bringing more food, the chick displays gape-coloured patches of skin under its wings that resemble additional hungry mouths.
Vocalisation: Known as the “Whistling Hawk-Cuckoo,” its call is a shrill, piping sequence of high-pitched whistles that often rises in a crescendo.
Distribution: It breeds in the Himalayas, northeast India, and southern China. During the winter, it migrates to Southeast Asia, including Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Location: Choa Chu Kang – February 2026
