Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Hierococcyx sparverioides
Family: Cuckoos · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 38–41.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Breeds across the Himalayas, southern China and Indochina; winters south to the Thai-Malay Peninsula, the Greater Sundas and the Philippines. Reaches Singapore at the southern limit of its wintering range.
Adult is distinctive with grey head contrasting with brown upperparts, rufous breast patch, and white belly with dark brown bars; easily distinguished from the Hodgson's and Malaysian by the barred underparts. Juvenile has darker brown upperparts with pale rufous bars and white underparts with bold dark streaks, often mixed with bars. Lower belly and flanks usually barred rather than streaked, which distinguishes this species from the other hawk-cuckoos. In general, compared to Hodgson's and Malaysian Hawk-Cuckoo, this species is larger; structurally, it is longer-tailed and bulkier, with a proportionately smaller head.
On passage and in winter uses forest edge, tall secondary growth, mangroves, parks and gardens.