Klaass cuckoo

Introduction: Klaas's cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas) inhabit broad-leafed woodland with mixed species of tree such as miombo and mopane. They can also be observed in Acacia type woodlands, thickets in gardens and alien trees scattered around farmsteads. Klaas's cuckoo are a solitary bird, heard more than seen.

Distribution: Scattered populations in central and northern regions of the country including Etosha National Park, Caprivi Kaokoland, Damaraland and Ovamboland.

Diet: A foliage forager hunting for invertebrates they glean from leaves. Hairy caterpillars feature largely on their diet as do butterflies, beetles, bugs and termites.

Description: Small, brightly coloured cuckoo with glossy green or bronze upperparts. Characteristic simple whistles repeated over and over by male from song-post for up to 20min a time. Chrysococcyx is the Greek word for golden cuckoo, which refers to the metallic sheen of both male and female plumage. Klaas was Le Vaillant's servant.

Breeding: Brood parasite. Removes host egg and lays 1 egg per nest with an incubation period of 12 days. Nestlings can fly reasonably well after about 12 days if they can avoid the unwanted attentions of Wahlberg's eagle.

Size: 18cm.

Weight: 26g.