NACUSOs

NACUSOs, or North American Cuckoo Species, refer to a group of birds primarily found in North America that belong to the cuckoo family (Cuculidae). This term is often used colloquially to describe the three species of cuckoos native to the continent: the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (*Coccyzus americanus*), the Black-billed Cuckoo (*Coccyzus erythropthalmus*), and the Mangrove Cuckoo (*Coccyzus minor*), which has a limited range in southern Florida and the Caribbean. These birds are known for their distinctive calls, slender bodies, and long tails, which they use for balance while perching.

Yellow-billed Cuckoos are the largest of the three, with a grayish-brown plumage and a yellow bill, while Black-billed Cuckoos are slightly smaller, with a darker bill and a more uniform brown coloration. Mangrove Cuckoos are similar in size to Black-billed Cuckoos but are more often found in coastal habitats. All three species are solitary and primarily insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars, beetles, and other invertebrates. They are often heard before they are seen, as their calls—described as a series of "wuk-wuk-wuk" or "coo-coo" sounds—are distinctive and melodic.

NACUSOs play an ecological role by controlling insect populations, particularly caterpillars, which can be harmful to trees and crops. Their nesting habits are unique; females lay eggs in the nests of other bird species, a behavior known as brood parasitism, though this is less common in North American cuckoos compared to some Old World species. Conservation efforts are generally not a major concern for these birds, as they are not currently classified as threatened or endangered. However, habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion can impact their populations, particularly in regions where their preferred wooded habitats are being cleared.

Observing NACUSOs is a rewarding experience for birdwatchers, as their calls can often be heard in wooded areas, gardens, and along forest edges during the spring and summer months. Their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem, and they contribute to the biodiversity of North American landscapes.