The Mangrove Cuckoo is the most secretive cuckoo in North America — it is infrequently detected despite being resident in southern Florida and throughout the Caribbean. It is buff below with a dark mask, larger and richer-toned than other cuckoos. Its gurgling 'gaw-gaw-gaw' call given from dense mangrove cover is the most reliable way to detect it.
Best time to see a Mangrove Cuckoo
The best time to see a Mangrove Cuckoo is March–June, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 267 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Mangrove Cuckoo? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Mangrove Cuckoo sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Mangrove Cuckoo?
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