Birds ‹‹ Go Back

This is a breeding resident species found in the tall-forested areas of the dry lowlands and the adjacent foothills. During the winter month’s migrant birds from India can be seen even in the wet lowlands. Other than in Sri Lankan this species is found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, China and Russia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (IUCN Red List) and it is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

Even though this bird is not included in the National Red List 2012 definite evidence of breeding was recorded from Hunuwilagama bordering Wilpattu National Park in 2015 by Mr. Nanda Senanayake, former President of the Ceylon Bird Club. He observed a cuckoo chick being fed by a pair of Black-headed Orioles in their nest. When the chick moved out of the nest it was apparent that it is an Indian cuckoo.

I have seen this bird in the wet zone (Sinharaja, Kithulgala, Gannoruwa forest – Peradeniya and Randenigala) and only during the winter months but have seen it in and out side the migrant season in many dry zone localities such as Udawalawa, Yala, and Wasgomuwa National parks and at Anuradapura and Thanamalwila.

It is seen throughout the year at Wilpattu National Park. During April & May, which I believe its breeding season in Sri Lanka, its melodious call can be heard morning till evening and sometimes even well in to the night.