Identification
A slim body, very long tail, and substantial yellow, slightly curved bill distinguish its silhouette.
Woodlands & river corridors · The Americas
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Coccyzus americanus
A quiet presence among the leaves.
Often concealed in leafy cover, this slender bird follows insect-rich woodlands and river corridors through a long-distance migratory life.
Federal ESA · ThreatenedWestern distinct population segment
Habitat & seasonal context
Know the species before planning.
Habitat
Uses dense wooded cover, often near water. In western river systems, willows can provide nest sites while nearby cottonwoods offer foraging habitat.
Seasonal life
Breeds in North America and migrates through Central America to winter mainly in South America east of the Andes.
Natural history: USFWS species account.
Conservation status
Threatened
Threatened status applies to the western distinct population segment (DPS), rather than every Yellow-billed Cuckoo across the species’ range.
Federal list checked September 23, 2026. View the current federal list.
What shapes its future?
Loss and alteration of western riparian woodland have reduced available habitat. Caterpillars are an important part of its diet.
Federal status is one part of the picture. State listings and project requirements vary by location.
Read further
Official references
- USFWS species accountIdentification, habitat, food, and migration.
- Federal endangered & threatened wildlife list50 CFR 17.11 · Current federal listing and population scope.
Sources reviewed September 23, 2026.