“I HEAR YOU KNOCKING”: THE YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO ON ABACO
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) is the least common of three cuckoo species found on Abaco. All are permanent residents. It is similar to the more frequently seen Mangrove Cuckoo. Both are avid consumers of insects in general and caterpillars in particular. The YBC is shy and you are quite unlikely to see one out in the open, though you may hear its distinctive ‘knocking’ call. The third species classified with the ‘cuculidae’ is the Smooth-billed Ani. Here’s what to listen out for:
Mike Nelson / Xeno-Canto
The YBC has, obviously, a yellow bill. It also has yellow eye-rings and pure white underparts. Photographer Tom Sheley, a major contributor t0 “The Birds of Abaco”, is a very patient man. He managed to capture these two beautiful birds by knowing the right place to be at the right time… and waiting. The results for this little-seen species are spectacular.
For those whose memories are stirred by the reference to “I hear you knocking” (Rick from Nassau – you!), I include archive material of Dave Edmunds hamming it up. Get a load of the Clothes! The Dancing! The Moves of the guy in the top left corner / centre back, at once rhythmic yet disconcertingly bizarre.
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
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That is one pretty bird, good photos!
Alan
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Hi Alan, I haven’t checked your site to see if you have a photo. Tom said they are pretty difficult to get (and he was often up as dawn broke). Do you get these, and Mangrove Cuckoos – I assume so. RH
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No, I haven’t ever seen one. They are a neat looking bird.
Alan
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