Madagascar Cuckoo Tanzania (1 Viewer)

[Valéry Schollaert]

Hi all,

Can you confirm those 3 photos show a Madagascar Cuckoo?

http://www.valeryschollaert.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1098

It seems yes according to the book, but as I've never seen it before...

Thanks

 

[Woodchatshrike]

Not sure about this. I have nothing to hand right now but it could be the very similar looking Asian Lesser Cuckoo. I don't think Madagascar Cuckoo occurs in east africa in November. I'm no expert but I photographed one for id purposes in Uganda in May 2008.

 

[Woodchatshrike]

I dob't want to tataly poo-poo the sighting but it's not just an African Cuckoo based on the amout of yellow on the bill.

Cuculus are hard to do from pictures!

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

Hi,

Together with my group and excellent local guide (Martin) we had no doubt it is Lesser or Madagascar thanks to size and shape. Lesser is likely at this time of year and Madagascar not. However, thin bars, weakly marked undertails and pale head are 3 features good for Madagascar and not Lesser. Since my post, we have seen Lesser (yesterday) and differences are quite clear in comparison.

Cheers