USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

Platte River Status: A fairly common migrant and rare nesting species, restricted primarily to the eastern half of the area. Tout (1947) recorded this cuckoo in Lincoln County during 19 June to 20 September. Rosche (1979) stated that black-billed cuckoo occurred in the lower North Platte River Valley until 25 August. Occurrence dates at the Mormon Island Crane Meadows, Hall County, extend from 26 May to 25 August.

Breeding Range: Largely restricted to the Platte River Valley physiographic region during the nesting season; two isolated records from the Eastern Plain.

Breeding Population: We failed to record black-billed cuckoo on our random census plots in 1979-1980. Based on field observations of distribution of this species within the study area, we estimate that no more than 100 pairs occupy the area during any particular year.

Habitat: Black-billed cuckoo occupies rather dense stands of shrub layer vegetation within the riparian zone. Limited use is also made of shelterbelts. Faanes (1983) recorded black-billed cuckoo locally in dense shrub growth on a western North Dakota study area. Johnsgard (1980) stated that in Nebraska, this species occupied dense wooded habitats especially those supporting a variety of trees, bushes and vines that can be used for nest sites.

Effect of Habitat Alteration: Black-billed cuckoo has benefited positively from the establishment of wooded vegetation within the river channel, and from planting of shelterbelts in the uplands.

Nesting Data: We have records of 3 active nests including 1 at Mormon Island that contained 2 eggs on 25 June. The nest was located about 1 m off the ground in dense herbaceous cover. Tout (1947) described a nest in Lincoln County located in a mulberry tree. The nest contained 3 eggs on 19 June. Egg dates in Kansas extend from 21 May to 10 August, with a peak in early June (Johnsgard 1979).