Three Boids

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Here are three boids are from the Land Down Under. That is, the Land Down Under North America. These are in fact Guira Cuckoos and are native to South America. You can find the birds in southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and ranging down to northeastern Argentina.

Referred to somewhat discourteously as "scruffy", Guira Cuckoos are mediums size birds, with adults reaching 12 - 14 inches in length and weigh about 5 ounces. Their lifespan in the wild isn't known but in captivity they can live up to 10 years.

Traditionally cuckoos are famous for laying their eggs in the ness of other birds, such birds being called brood parasites. However, guira cuckoos lay their eggs in their own communal nests which may contain perhaps 20 eggs with each female contributing between 5 and 7 eggs.

Unlike many birds, the population of guira cuckoos is actually increasing and they are listed as of "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

References and Further Reading

"Guira Cuckoo", Oakland Zoo.