Watercolor portrait of Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus
Long-distance migrant Deciduous woodlands, riparian corridors,… Uncommon Kowlp Series

Learn to identify the Yellow-billed Cuckoo by ear. Master the "ka-ka-ka-kow-kow-kow-kowp" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“ka-ka-ka-kow-kow-kow-kowp”

What the Yellow-billed Cuckoo sounds like

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a slender, long-tailed woodland bird with warm brown upperparts, clean white underparts, and a graceful, slightly decurved bill whose lower mandible is bright yellow. Often heard more than seen, it prowls leafy branches in search of caterpillars and other large insects, sitting motionless for long periods before making short, agile sallies among the foliage.

“ka-ka-ka-kow-kow-kow-kowp”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A hollow, wooden rattle that accelerates and then slows, often delivered in response to thunder or heavy humidity. Often written as “ka-ka-ka-kow-kow-kow-kowp”.
Don't confuse with:The Black-billed Cuckoo — entire bill black, lacks yellow lower mandible.

Where you'll hear it

Deciduous woodlands, riparian corridors, overgrown thickets, and edges with dense shrubs—especially near water and where tent caterpillars are abundant.

Arrives late May–June, with numbers peaking during midsummer breeding; begins southbound migration by early September. Most have left the U.S. by October.

Similar species

Black-billed Cuckoo

Entire bill black, lacks yellow lower mandible.

Mangrove Cuckoo

Broad black mask through eye.

Common Nighthawk (in flight)

Pointed wings with bold white bar.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo sound FAQ

What does a Yellow-billed Cuckoo sound like?
A hollow, wooden rattle that accelerates and then slows, often delivered in response to thunder or heavy humidity. Listen for the "ka-ka-ka-kow-kow-kow-kowp" phrase.
How do I tell a Yellow-billed Cuckoo from a Black-billed Cuckoo by sound?
Black-billed Cuckoo: Entire bill black, lacks yellow lower mandible.; Smaller, diffuse white spots on tail underside.; Red orbital ring more pronounced..
When is the best time to hear a Yellow-billed Cuckoo?
Arrives late May–June, with numbers peaking during midsummer breeding; begins southbound migration by early September. Most have left the U.S. by October.