Justification This species is classified as Vulnerable because it has a very small range and population. Introduced herbivores are degrading forests in its range, but it appears to tolerate some habitat modification and there is (as yet) no evidence of a decline in its range or population. Regular surveys are required so that trend data can be collected, and if it is found to be in decline it may warrant uplisting to Critically Endangered.

Family/Sub-family Cuculidae

Species name author Gould, 1843

Taxonomic source(s) AOU checklist (1998 + supplements), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Stotz et al. (1996)

Identification 33 cm. Brightly coloured cuckoo. Slaty-grey crown and blackish mask. Greyish-brown upperparts. Bright rufous wings. Uniform, rich buff underparts. Black tail with broad white tipped rectrices. Bright yellow eye-ring. Black bill with yellow lower mandible tipped black. Immature has indistinct tail pattern. Similar spp. Yellow-billed Cuckoo C. americanus has white underparts. Mangrove Cuckoo C. minor has greyish wings and brown mantle. Black-billed Cuckoo C. erythropthalmus has black bill and white underparts. Voice Deep, dry kcha repeated 5-8 times, sometimes preceded by rolling rattles. Also guttural k'k'k'k'ru'hoo.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

250-999

stable

25 km²

Yes

Range & population Coccyzus ferrugineus is endemic to Cocos Island, c.500 km from the coast of Costa Rica. It is widespread and probably under-recorded in suitable habitat, but the extent of such habitat is very limited³. The total population is probably significantly below 1,000 individuals, and it is the least common of the endemic land birds on the island.

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: It frequents second growth forest, Hibiscus thickets and streamside vine-tangles, feeding on large insects and lizards Anolis sp.². There are apparently no published observations of the species nesting⁴.

Threats Cats are potential predators of adults, fledglings and nests, whilst rats are potential nest predators. Feral deer, pigs and goats graze suitable habitat. Pigs especially devastate the lower strata and understorey of native forests and inhibit forest regeneration^1,3. On many other islands, this combination of feral mammals has caused the extinction of numerous endemic plant and animal species. There is also low-level disturbance from increasing tourism¹. Global climate change might pose a threat in the future, perhaps through the effects of changes in weather patterns⁴.

Conservation measures underway Cocos Island has been designated as a national park, but no substantive measures have been taken to reduce populations of introduced mammals³.

Conservation measures proposed Conduct surveys to estimate the population, perhaps using call play-back and mist-netting⁴. Monitor population trends through regular surveys. Carry out research into the species's breeding biology⁴. Study the impact of introduced mammals. Begin to eradicate introduced mammals where feasible.

References 1. Sherry (1985). 2. Stiles and Skutch (1989). 3. F. G. Stiles in litt. (1999). 4. T. Sherry in litt. (2007).

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Isabel Isherwood (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Contributors Thomas Sherry, F. Gary Stiles (Universidad Nacional de Colombia)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Coccyzus ferrugineus. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 10/2/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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