Northern Hawk-Cuckoo
Photo: John Gould / Henry Constantine Richter · Public domain

Cuckoos

Northern Hawk-Cuckoo

Hierococcyx hyperythrus

LCLeast Concern
Family
Cuckoos (Cuculidae)
Order
Cuculiformes

Overview

The northern hawk-cuckoo or rufous hawk-cuckoo (Hierococcyx hyperythrus) is a species of cuckoo found in eastern China, North and South Korea, far eastern Russia, and Japan. Northern populations migrate to overwinter in Borneo. This elusive species is considered rare over most of its range and many of its life history traits remain understudied. It is known to perch in the crowns of tall trees, making direct observation difficult.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Breeds southeastern Siberia, northeastern China, Korean Peninsula, and Japan; winters to southeastern Asia, northern Borneo, and northern Sulawesi.

Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.