- July 17, 2026 - Jardin botanique : Favourites
Experienced and amateur birdwatchers alike were surprised last week by the presence of a rare bird at the Jardin botanique de Montréal : the Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
But what exactly is this bird, and why is it so rare?
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is an uncommon neotropical migrant in Québec. In Canada, its breeding range is limited primarily to southern Ontario and the extreme southwestern part of Québec. Secretive and difficult to spot, it often remains hidden in dense foliage, sitting motionless as it waits for its next meal, usually caterpillars. It is often easier to hear than to see. Its distinctive call consists of a series of low, repetitive notes, often transcribed as “ka-ka-ka-ka-ka-kow-kow-kowp-kowp.”
Another feature that makes this bird particularly fascinating is its exceptionally rapid breeding cycle. Only 17 days separate egg-laying from the fledging of young birds, making it one of the shortest breeding cycles among bird species worldwide. In years when food resources are especially abundant, the species may occasionally lay its eggs in the nests of other cuckoos or various bird species, including the American Robin and the Gray Catbird.
Observing the Yellow-billed Cuckoo in Québec
In the Greater Montréal area, the likelihood of observing a Yellow-billed Cuckoo is very low, as we are located at the northern edge of its breeding range. However, the species may be seen occasionally in spring or during years marked by exceptionally high caterpillar abundance.
The last recorded observation of this species at the Jardin botanique dates back to 1998; the bird reportedly remained on site for about a week. On July 7, 2026, a group of birdwatchers from the Société de biologie de Montréal confirmed the presence of the species at the Garden. Following this initial sighting, several additional observations were reported throughout the week in the Arboretum, more specifically in the Ash Grove area.
Follow the sightings
To follow Yellow-billed Cuckoo sightings, visit the species page on eBird. You can also view recent reports of rare birds observed at the Jardin botanique de Montréal here: Jardin botanique de Montréal Rare Bird Alert.
