In the Pied Cuckoo campaign, MigrantWatchers have contributed 363 sightings of this wonderful species so far (until 15 July 2011). A summary of these sightings from places to where the Pied Cuckoo migrates shows that it does, by-and-large, arrive in advance of the monsoon, but the exact dates are variable.
To illustrate the general pattern of migration of this species, we have put together this animated map, which shows the progression of Pied Cuckoo migration across the country in advance of the monsoon.
This animation has been made by selecting March-to-July sightings from all Pied Cuckoo reports in the MigrantWatch database between 1 July 2007 and 15 July 2011. To compare these sightings with the onset of the monsoon, we have also added in lines depicting the normal onset of the monsoon (digitised from a map available from IMD Pune).
In March and April, almost all sightings are from southern India, where the species is known to be resident year-round. This remains so until the middle of May. In the third week of May, the first migrant sightings appear, in the West and the North-east. As the monsoon hits the Andamans, the first birds in northern India are seen. More and more birds are subsequently seen across the West, North and East. By the time the monsoon reaches Kerala (in the first week of June), Pied Cuckoos are everywhere, except perhaps the extreme West and North-West.
Where are the gaps in information? Do you see patterns that would be interesting to follow up? Do leave a comment below.
Thanks, of course, to all MigrantWatchers who have contributed their Pied Cuckoo sightings!
20 responses to “Pied Cuckoo animated map”
I spotted one pied cuckoo in front of my house between 08-10 Jul 2011 at about 0830h. The coordinates of the tree where it landed are 17d 30′ 47.15”N and 078d 32’36.32”E.
this is fine work.there are vacant areas.perhaPS sighting reports have not been sent.i was not knowing that it is resident in some parts of south
We saw Pied Cuckoo in our Garden from first week of July till 16th July 2011.
We live in Tala village of Umaria District M.P.
Ecelllent scientific work, may be this work one day will help us predict the El Nino cycle and the droughts.
Wonderful. This is how academic research flourish with the scientific temper of the literate citizens in a country. Kudos to the leaders and the contributors. Let us keep it up.
I spotted 4 pied cuckoos in North Maharashtra university campus jalgaon,on 11th july they followed by jungle babler
Since you said that the species is resident year-round in southern India, is there any evidence that the Pied Cuckoo actually migrates from Africa? The next step would be to capture a few of them and analyze their stomach DNA or some thing. ( I am not a biologist; I am sure there are other methods!)
You could also canvas for volunteers in the neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal to be more comprehensive.
sighted 2 pied crested cuckoos near Golconda Fort, Hyderabad on 24th july 2011. One sighting in flight.
Janardhan
I have spotted a pied cuckoo near akkalkot new palace on 12 jul.11
I spotted one near Coimbatore in first week of June and was really exited thinking I have spotted it first. But, the books said that they are resident in the area.
I had spotted the same bird in Delhi in third week of april last year. I don’t know, if the group can consider into its data.
I spotted 13 pied crested cuckoo in OFV and Hatnur Dam in July second week and also observed nest of Large grey Babbler that in chick of pied crested cuckoo and feeding by babbler, I documented this event and photographed also.
Dear Anil – wonderful observation! Would you be able to contribute this sighting through your MigrantWatch account, and upload one or two photos to accompany it? The photos would then be part of a permanent repository of images of migrants in the MW photo gallery.
Many thanks
Suhel
I have spotted 2 pied cuckoo at kole waterlands,Adat-Thrissur,Kerala.http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=357098171017700&set=a.356551594405691.81068.100001525594925&type=3&theater
My address
H-17,Anupam nagar Raipur-492007
At this place this is my 3rd.sighting of Pied crested cuckoo
1.16-6-08
2.12-6-09
3.14-6-12 at 6.10 p.m.
Sighting was reported to state co-ordinator Mr.Arun Bharos.
i spotted one pair of pied cuckoo in visit to my village on 23-24 june 2012. Village is Nimchaena , distt-Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh . It ws told tht it is sighted in this season. Will upload Sighting history
aftr gathering information.
I am sighting Pied Cuckoo in Aravalli Biodiversity Park, New Delhi since June and still it is here in September.
I spotted a pied cuckoo on 07-10-2012 at in between 10.00am to 10.30(same bird four times) at Canal Side east side of Venkidangu of Enamavu Kole Wetland, Thrissur Dist, Kerala state.
am interested in monitoring of pied crested cukooo as am a weather man at Dehra Dun.
Dear Sir, excellent to hear of your interest! Do tell us if we can help in any way. For a link to all Pied Cuckoo analyses on this blog, please click here.
Dear All.
Today 08/09/2013 @ 11.15(around)I have sighted a Pied Crested Cuckoo at Enamavu Kole Wetlands, Thrissur District, Kerala.
The bird sighted at almost 1.5km east side of Enamavu Channel Bund. The climate is Partially cloudy.
Induchoodan