Photo by Jim Bennight
The Mangrove Cuckoo is the most elusive bird species on the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Mangrove cuckoos, who inhabit dense vegetation, are very still and very quiet. While many bird species found foraging in the treetops are constantly flying with quick motion, the mangrove cuckoo is known to sit in one spot for long periods of time as it only moves its head to spot its prey. This bird also rarely vocalizes, which makes it both difficult to see and hear.
Our friends at “Ding” shared this photo by Jim Bennight, commenting that you should consider yourself lucky if you get to see one of these individuals, let alone snap a picture of one!
