Sumatran Ground-Cuckoo
Carpococcyx viridis
Incredibly elusive and rare, this is a highly sought-after ground-dweller. Found only in primary hill forest (300-1400 meters) in western Sumatra. Unmistakable if seen well; note long broad tail, burly chest, dark head, long legs, finely barred breast, and brightly-colored blue-and-pink bare facial skin. Like many other terrestrial birds, tends to run away when spooked. Very difficult to see, and best detected by its mournful, high-pitched, and slightly hollow whistled song: “gwheuw-oh-eewo’eh!” Also gives a harsh, buzzy call that sounds like someone blowing their nose.
Identification
The Sumatran ground cuckoo (Carpococcyx viridis) is a large, terrestrial species of cuckoo endemic to the forests of Sumatra in Indonesia. It was first described in 1879 and, despite being identified as a separate species in the 1880s, was formerly considered conspecific with the Bornean ground cuckoo until recently being returned to the status of a unique species. Considered endangered species by the IUCN Red List, it was initially known from just eight specimens and evaded notice from 1916 until 1997, when it was rediscovered and photographed. The Sumatran ground cuckoo's diet is thought to consist of invertebrates, small mammals, and reptiles.
Taxonomy
Genus: Carpococcyx; Family: Cuculidae; Order: Cuculiformes.
- Scientific name
- Carpococcyx viridis
- Authority
- Salvadori, 1879
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Genus
- Carpococcyx
Range and habitat
The Sumatran ground cuckoo is endemic to Indonesia and is found exclusively on the island of Sumatra. Notes on early specimen labels suggest its favoured habitat is foothills and primary montane rainforest, and this is reinforced by the locations of recent sightings. It has been found between elevations of 300 and 1400 metres. Because it is so rare today, a considerable body of information on the Sumatran ground cuckoo comes only from the records of Tommaso Salvadori, the Italian ornithologist and zoologist who discovered it; there does not seem to have been much effort to learn more about the bird from locals.<p>It is estimated by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species that the total population of Sumatran ground cuckoos ranges from 50 to 249 mature individuals, and its population is thought to be decreasing. It is considered one of the 100 most endangered bird species in the world. Like its close relative the Bornean ground cuckoo it is considered unobtrusive, which may further account for the lack of sightings.<p>Most modern-day sightings have taken place in the Barisan Mountains in South Sumatra and the Kerinci Seblat National Park of Jambi province, beginning with the individual photographed in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in 1997. Five more sightings were reported in the immediate vicinity between 2007 and 2010. An additional unconfirmed sighting took place in the Bukit Rimbang-Baling Wildlife Sanctuary in 2000. In 2006, a camera-trap surveying for tigers close to Kerinci Seblat National Park, also in the Barisan Mountains, captured multiple images of the Sumatran ground cuckoo for the first time since 1997 and only the second time in the last ninety years.<p>In 2007, its call was recorded for the first time according to the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society in a statement released February 26. The call was recorded by WCS biologists after a trapper handed them a bird he had caught.<p>In 2017, a camera trap in Batang Gadis National Park took a photo of a Sumatran ground cuckoo, indicating that a previously-unknown population may exist in North Sumatra.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Sumatran Leafbird
Chloropsis media
Uncommon and declining Sumatran endemic, restricted to foothill forest at 600-1000 meters. A typical leafbird, with a predominantly bright green body in both sexes. Male has a dark “half-mask” and throat, as well as a dark purplish-blue malar stripe. Female has a faint sky-blue malar stripe, but otherwise lacks dark coloration on her face. Both sexes have a yellow forecrown and a blue shoulder patch. Juvenile is unmarked green all over, with a faint yellow eyering. Compare with Greater Green Leafbird, Lesser Green Leafbird, and Blue-winged Leafbird, none of which have a yellow forecrown. Loud, musical song incorporates mimicry.
Crested Jayshrike
Platylophus galericulatus
This dark, medium-sized bird would be fairly unremarkable were it not for the exceptionally long crest sticking vertically out of its head. Sumatran and Bornean birds are brown, while birds on Java and the Malay Peninsula are black. Blocky white crescent behind the eye flashes as the bird moves through dense foliage in lowland and foothill broadleaf forests. Raucous; most commonly gives noisy rattles, also whistles and chips.
Bronzy Hermit
Glaucis aeneus
Medium-sized hummingbird with a long curved bill and black-and-white striped face pattern. Clean buffy below. Look for tail pattern: all tipped white, with rufous base to outer tail feathers. Does not have elongated central tail feathers like some hermits. Moves fast, usually only seen for a few seconds at a patch of flowers. Prefers forests and edges.
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