Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus
Flight call description A low gurgling trill, typically decelerating and rising slightly in pitch. Also gives a repeated, low "coo-coo-coo" at a rate of about three calls per second.
Fig.1. Maryland May 23, 1993 (MO).
Call from a perched bird on the breeding grounds.
Similar species Usually distinctive but see Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
Behavior Primarily a nocturnal migrant but also engages in diurnal onward migration during spring, at least in the Gulf coast region. Flight call is given at night, both on migration and on the breeding grounds, from perched and flying birds. Flight call is also given by perched birds during the day and may be combined with song. Also occasionally gives the "coo-coo-coo" song in nocturnal flight during spring and summer. Not known to give flight call while in diurnal flight.
Discussion See Thayer (1903).