Shining Bronze-cuckoo

Chrysococcyx lucidus, the pīpīwharauroa, is a small native cuckoo that migrates to New Zealand to breed. It differs from long-tailed cuckoo through its tiny size, metallic green back and barred white underparts. Adults are glossy bronze-green above with crisp dark barring below. The short tail and pointed wings create a compact, swift silhouette.

It breeds across the main islands and many offshore islands, then migrates into the southwest Pacific. Forest, scrub and well-vegetated gardens are used. It eats caterpillars and other insects, including hairy species avoided by many birds. Females lay mainly in grey warbler nests, leaving the host to raise the chick.

The New Zealand classification is Not Threatened. Zealandia, Tiritiri Matangi and forest tracks nationwide are good places to hear it in spring.