THE CHESTNUT-BELLIED Cuckoo may be called the 'Old Man Bird' of Jamaica but there's nothing fragile and ancient about this large grey bird with the deep chestnut-coloured lower chest.
The Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo is one of 30 birds endemic to or commonly found in the island. It gets its nickname, Old Man Bird, from the light grey feathers under its beak which is similar to that of an old man's beard.
The dominantly grey shade of this creature can also be seen on its long, graduated tail feathers with large white spots at the end. Its dark-greyed legs and bill, the pale grey of its breast feathers and pouted bill are complements to the cream-coloured throat of this creature.
The 'Old Man Bird' can be found in wooded mountainous areas and nests between March and June in tall trees with nests made of sticks. During the winter months, the birds descend to lower elevations. The bird runs along branches like a large rat and glides from one tree to another on extended wings. These birds feed on lizards, mice, insects,
caterpillars, nestling and eggs.
For this and more information on the flora and fauna of Jamaica, visit the Science Library of the Natural History Division, at the Institute of Jamaica, 10-16 East Street, Kingston. Specimens of many of these plants and animals are on display in the Natural History Museum, also operated by the Natural History Division.
FACTFILE
Old Man Bird, scientific name: Hyetornis Pluvials
Claim to fame: One of 30 birds endemic to or commonly found in Jamaica
Habitat: Wooded and mountainous areas between March and June, but descends to lower areas in the winter
What it eats: Lizards, mice, insects, caterpillars, nestling and eggs.
COURTESY OF THE INSTITUTE OF JAMAICA
