species occurs over a wide range and the population appears to be decreasing. Due to the difficulty of population estimation it has not yet met the threshold for vulnerable status and is currently listed as a species of least concern. Habitat Black-bellied cuckoos live in tropical rainforests, scrub and occasionally in wooded savannas. They do not frequent open areas, like the squirrel cuckoo does. The black-bellied cuckoo stays at upper levels of the forest. It is estimated that deforestation reduces suitable habitat within its range by about 10% every three generations (approximately 13 years). Behavior P. melanogaster prefers forest canopies but can be seen in tall shrubs, climbing on vines, jumping between branches or running between them, and flying in open spaces. Their wing beats are slow and shallow. Individuals are usually alone or in pairs. Reproduction The reproductive cycle of P. melanogaster is little known. There are records of individuals in reproductive condition during the month of April in the Upper Orinoco in Venezuela. In French Guiana nestlings have been seen being fed from July to November. They build their nests in trees and lay up to 2 eggs. The eggs are pure white. The lifespan is 4.2 years. Feeding Their diet is made up of large insects such as beetles, cycads, grasshoppers, ants and caterpillars (even those with sharp hairs). This species feeds in the forest canopy. They also eat small vertebrates such as lizards. References black-bellied cuckoo black-bellied cuckoo Taxa named by Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot Taxonomy articles created by Polbot