Why This Cuckoo Is Lesser Cuckoo

Lesser Cuckoo
Lesser Cuckoo, 26 Aug., Cape Nanhui. (Craig Brelsford)

by Craig Brelsford
Founder, shanghaibirding.com

Lesser Cuckoo Cuculus poliocephalus, non-hepatic adult, 26 Aug. at Cape Nanhui, Shanghai. Photo above. Reasoning behind ID of Lesser Cuckoo:

(1) No suggestion of brighter yellow iris that is characteristic of Common Cuckoo as well as Oriental Cuckoo and Himalayan Cuckoo (darker iris more characteristic of Indian Cuckoo and Lesser Cuckoo)

(2) Dark rump and uppertail coverts contrast little with dark tail, while dark tail and rump contrast markedly with paler back, all pointing to Lesser Cuckoo

(3) On tail, very likely no subterminal black band (as in Indian Cuckoo), pointing again to Lesser Cuckoo

Cuculus sp.
This cuckoo, seen 4 Sept. at Cape Nanhui, Shanghai, has the dark eye, well-defined and widely spaced barring, and small size suggestive of Lesser Cuckoo. (Craig Brelsford)

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