What makes the Common Hawk-Cuckoo an Imposter?

The Common hawk-cuckoo is an imposter and a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds like those of Babblers. As an imposter, it mimics falcons (Shikra’s) in order to save itself from possible predators that might decide to take more interest in them. If you look closely at the two photographs, the one above and the one below, then you will the subtle differences between the birds. For a start check out the shape of the beaks of both birds!

The Common hawk-cuckoo is also called the brain-fever bird because, during the breeding season, the male bird produces a repetitive three-note call that sounds like it is enunciating the words, ‘brain fever’! When I spotted the bird at the Sultanpur National park, I thought it was a Kestrel, a Falcon or a Shikra. When I later looked at the photograph carefully, I was a bit confused.

This particular bird blended so well with the trees and the vegetation and the stick on which it had landed that I would have missed it if it had not been for its bright yellow flaming eyes. Of course, you should not confuse the Indian Black-winged kite with any of the above birds, one of which is a copycat!