The Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo (Coccyzus vieilloti) is a cuckoo endemic to the island of Puerto Rico, and is one of 4 species of lizard-cuckoos which occur only on Caribbean islands. These were formerly placed in the Saurothera (Greek for "lizard-eater") genus of the Cuculidae family, but are now lumped with Coccyzus (AOU 2006).
The binomial name of the Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo species commemorates French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot.
The Puerto Rican-Lizard Cuckoo occurs in forests (common in the Guánica, Guajataca and Vega State Forests and in the Caribbean National Forest) and coffee plantations throughout the island of Puerto Rico. The species can be observed slowly foraging the forest understory for lizards, its main dietary component (approximately 75%). Large spiders and insects are consumed to supplement its diet.
Cuckoos are slender birds with long tails and long, thin, slightly curved bills. They move very slowly foraging for prey through the forest. Cuckoos do not swoop or circle in flight but generally fly in a direct line.
Read more about Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo: Description, Habits, Habitat, See Also, References
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