Common Hawk Cuckoo (Zoological name,
Cuculus varius) is a common breeding summer visitor. The top part of the body is ashy grey and the bottom is whitish cross barred with brown. The tail is broad and barred. Locally called
Papiha, Kapak and
Upak, it is found in the wooded areas of
Haryana.
The bird is commonly seen singly in wooded country. In India, the Common Hawk Cuckoo can be seen in the
Ranthambhore National Park,
Rajasthan. It is nest-parasitic and inhabits light forests, partial gardens, and groves near human habitations.
The bird feeds on hairy caterpillars and other insects, berries, and wild fig. Its nesting season is from March to June. Eggs are blue in color.
