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Location

Alta Hotel, Escazu
Costa Rica

Metadata

Make Nikon D300
Lens Nikkor AF-S VR 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G   at 450 mm
Exposure 1/640 s, f/5.6, ISO 1600 
Image size 580 x 667 pixels

IOC Names

Order  Cuculiformes   Family  Cuculidae

Deutsch  Cayennekuckuck Dutch  Eekhoornkoekoek
Italian  Cuculo scoiattolo Spanish  Cuco-ardilla Común

Comments

This species’ name derives from its squirrel-like behavior of running along branches and leaping from branch to branch. The cuckoo normally flies only short distances, mainly gliding with an occasional flap. It feeds on large insects such as wasps and caterpillars (including those with stinging hairs or spines), and occasionally spiders and small lizards , rarely taking fruit. In particular, they can be seen to attend army ants columns together, picking off prey flushed by the ants.

Squirrel Cuckoo




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    26/12/2008

Squirrel Cuckoo
Piaya cayana
Piaye écureuil

Jean-Michel PAULUS