long tail; rufous upperparts; yellow decurved bill (Panama; 2008-06-24)


Squirrel Cuckoo
Piaya cayana

Native Range: Latin America

Notes: a long tail and the fact that this striking bird clambers in tree branches both conjure images of a squirrel (hence the species name); no sexual dimorphism.

dorsal view; note the long graduated tail (Panama; 2008-06-24)
this bird has just caught a preying mantis (Panama; 2008-06-24)

ventral view; white spots under the long tail (Panama; 2008-06-24)
flying with his prize catch (Panama; 2008-06-24)

holding the preying mantis (Panama; 2008-06-24)
peeking out from the foliage (Panama; 2008-06-24)