SACI (AS KNOWN IN BRAZIL)

Tapera naevia

The Striped Cuckoo is a bird that carries an ancient mystery; according to the indigenous mythology of the Tupi people, this bird sings imitating the voices of "human spirits". It measures between 10 and 11,8 inches and weighs between 1,4 and 2 ounces. Its feathers are a brownish-yellow color, and it has various dark spots on the upper part of its wings.

It's quickly recognized by its most characteristic song, emitted continuously throughout the day. Its lifelong diet consists of adult insects and caterpillars. Like the European Common Cuckoo and other birds in its family, it doesn't build its own nests. It lays its eggs in the nests of other species, leaving the adoptive parents to incubate and raise its chicks.

Although it's easy to hear, it's difficult to observe. It lives solitarily, occupying open areas near patches of forest, ridges, or areas with scattered trees, hiding amidst grass or bushes. It sings perched on the lower branches of a tree or in bushes, during which it can be better observed. At any sign of danger, it flies into the forest or hides in the bushes. The Striped Cuckoo can be found throughout the entire Brazilian territory.