AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Dromococcyx phasianellus
Pheasant Cuckoo
(Spix, 1824)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized, highly distinctive terrestrial cuckoo. It features a prominent, elegant rufous crest, dark sooty-brown upperparts, and a pale buff or whitish underbelly with fine dark speckling on the throat and breast. Its most striking feature is an extraordinarily long, broad, fan-shaped tail that strongly resembles that of a pheasant.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Cuculiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Cuculidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Dromococcyx
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Spix, 1824)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits the understory of primary and secondary tropical forests, semi-deciduous woodlands, gallery forests, and dense scrubby thickets. It is a secretive bird that prefers areas with thick ground cover and dense lower vegetation.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Highly secretive and difficult to observe. It spends most of its time walking slowly on the forest floor or perching motionlessly in dark, dense thickets. When disturbed, it prefers to run rapidly into cover rather than fly, elevating its long tail dramatically.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strictly solitary. Interactions between individuals are rarely observed outside the brief courtship encounters. Males signal their presence from hidden, elevated perches using their loud whistle, accompanied by tail-shaking and crest-raising displays.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Terrestrial carnivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet consists primarily of large terrestrial insects (orthopterans, crickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars) and small lizards or frogs caught in the leaf litter. Adults are preyed upon by forest raptors, snakes, and small carnivorous mammals.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
An obligate brood parasite. It does not build a nest or raise its own young. Females clandestinely lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, primarily small flycatchers (such as Myiobius and Tolmomyias). The cuckoo chick hatches rapidly and ejects the host's eggs or nestlings.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 38.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
64 g - 80 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 2
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
10 - 12 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
13 - 15
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 8 Years
Females4 - 8 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Strong, specialized legs adapted for running and hopping quietly along the forest floor, allowing it to navigate dense, tangled undergrowth with extreme ease.
Broad, steerable tail feathers that can be rattled or aggressively fanned during terrestrial foraging to flush hidden insects out of the leaf litter.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Severe habitat fragmentation and continuous deforestation of Neotropical lowland forests, which significantly reduces the continuous understory habitat required for nesting and foraging.
Decline in local populations of its target host species (such as small tyrant flycatchers) due to ecological imbalances, directly impacting its reproductive success.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It mimics the behavior and appearance of a small pheasant or roadrunner while on the ground. Its vocalization is a haunting, high-pitched, four-note whistle that sounds like 'peixe-frito' (fried fish) in Portuguese.