Mangrove Cuckoos (Coccyzus minor) are medium-sized cuckoos found primarily in mangrove forests in the Neotropics. Their range extends from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to as far south as Peru and Brazil. Mangrove Cuckoos are strongly associated with mangrove habitat and are rarely found far from mangroves.
Geographic Range
The Mangrove Cuckoo has a large geographic range across the Americas. Here is an overview of where Mangrove Cuckoos are found:
- United States – Mangrove Cuckoos breed in small numbers in coastal mangrove forests in southern Florida and occasionally elsewhere along the Gulf Coast.
- Mexico – Found along both the Pacific and Gulf coasts of Mexico.
- Central America – Occurs in mangroves along both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from Guatemala to Panama.
- Caribbean Islands – Resident on many islands including the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Lesser Antilles.
- Northern South America – Found in coastal regions from Colombia and Venezuela south to the Guianas.
- Brazil – Occurs in mangroves along the northeastern and northern coast.
- Peru – Found in mangroves along the northern coast.
In South America, the range of the Mangrove Cuckoo extends as far south along the Pacific coast as northern Chile. Along the Atlantic coast, it ranges south to southeastern Brazil. Its range follows the distribution of mangrove forests closely.
Habitat
As their name implies, Mangrove Cuckoos are specialized for life in mangrove forests. They are found primarily in the following mangrove forest types:
- Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle)
- Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans)
- White mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa)
- Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)
Mangrove Cuckoos require relatively large tracts of mature, healthy mangrove forest. They are typically not found in small, fragmented patches of mangroves. The structure of the forest is important – Mangrove Cuckoos prefer mangroves with a closed canopy and subcanopy for nesting and foraging.
Edge Habitats
Mangrove Cuckoos will sometimes use adjacent upland forests or wetlands, but they are still closely associated with mangrove stands. For example, in Florida they are sometimes found in hammock forests near mangroves. They may also forage in scrub forests adjacent to mangroves.
Distribution Patterns
The distribution of the Mangrove Cuckoo is very closely tied to the distribution of mangrove forests. Mangroves only grow in tropical and subtropical coastal areas. Here are some key factors that influence the distribution of mangroves and Mangrove Cuckoos:
- Climate – Mangroves cannot withstand freezing temperatures and are limited to warm climates. Mangrove Cuckoos follow the same climatic constraints.
- Coastlines – Mangroves only grow along coastlines and estuaries. Mangrove Cuckoos do not occur inland away from coastal mangrove habitat.
- Mangrove Range – The range of Mangrove Cuckoos corresponds directly with the range of mangrove forests in the Americas.
- Development – Loss of mangroves to coastal development has reduced habitat for Mangrove Cuckoos.
In the continental United States, Mangrove Cuckoos are restricted to southern Florida because this marks the northern limit of mangrove forests. However, they range much farther south throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America where mangroves are more extensive.
Population and Conservation Status
The global population size of the Mangrove Cuckoo is estimated at around 260,000 to 4 million individuals. However, many localized populations have declined or been extirpated in recent decades. Here is a summary of the Mangrove Cuckoo’s population and conservation status:
United States
The United States population of breeding Mangrove Cuckoos is estimated at roughly 1,000 to 2,500 pairs. Numbers have declined significantly since the 1960s and 1970s. Loss of mangrove habitat is believed to be the major cause of declines. Due to population declines, the Mangrove Cuckoo is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act in the continental United States.
Mexico
No comprehensive population estimate. Believed to have declined by 30-49% over the past 30 years. Habitat loss is the major threat. Listed as Threatened on Mexico’s endangered species list.
Central America and Caribbean
Still fairly common, but has disappeared from some islands where mangroves have been cut. Total population size unknown but estimated at tens of thousands of pairs.
South America
Still widespread across northern coasts but likely declining due to ongoing mangrove deforestation. Overall population size uncertain but may number over 100,000 pairs.
Reasons for Decline
The primary threat to Mangrove Cuckoos is loss and degradation of mangrove forest habitat. Mangrove forests are declining globally due to the following threats:
- Coastal development – Draining or clearing of mangroves for housing, ports, and tourism.
- Pollution – Oil spills, chemical runoff, and sewage degrade mangroves.
- Overharvesting – Mangroves trees cut for timber, firewood, or charcoal.
- Aquaculture – Mangroves cleared for shrimp and fish farming ponds.
Mangrove Cuckoos are also threatened by nest parasitism from Shiny Cowbirds, which lower breeding success. Some populations may be threatened by use of pesticides on wintering grounds.
Efforts to Protect Mangrove Cuckoos
A number of conservation actions are underway to protect Mangrove Cuckoo populations and mangrove habitat:
- Habitat protection – Setting aside and managing public lands with mangroves helps provide habitat. For example, Everglades National Park in Florida protects key mangrove areas.
- Habitat restoration – Restoring hydrology and planting mangroves helps restore degraded habitat.
- Nest monitoring – Tracking nests helps identify threats to breeding success.
- Cowbird trapping – Trapping parasitic cowbirds can reduce nest parasitism.
- Education – Teaching coastal residents and developers about mangrove conservation.
- Policy changes – Changes to coastal development policies to protect remaining mangroves.
International treaties like Ramsar also protect some coastal wetland habitats used by Mangrove Cuckoos. Overall, protecting remaining mangrove forests is crucial for the long-term survival of Mangrove Cuckoo populations.
Summary and Conclusions
In summary:
- Mangrove Cuckoos are found primarily in mangrove forests along tropical and subtropical coastlines in the Americas.
- They range from Florida south through the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America to South America.
- They are specialized for life in mangrove forests and are rarely found far from this habitat.
- The distribution of the cuckoos corresponds closely with the distribution of mangroves.
- Some populations have declined due to loss of mangrove forests.
- Conserving remaining coastal mangrove habitat is crucial for protecting Mangrove Cuckoos.
The fate of the Mangrove Cuckoo is closely intertwined with that of mangrove forests. To ensure healthy cuckoo populations, substantial efforts are needed to protect and restore remaining mangrove habitat throughout the species’ range.
