23/06/2026
Uganda Bird Series 65
Have you ever seen a bird raising a chick that isn't its own?
Male Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus feeding a young Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas in Uganda — a remarkable example of brood parasitism.
Nature is full of surprises, and few are more fascinating than brood parasitism. In this behavior, the Klaas's Cuckoo lays its eggs in the nest of another bird species, leaving the foster parents to incubate the eggs and raise the chick as their own.
🍃 Habitat: Woodlands, forest edges, gardens, savannas, and shrublands.
🌺 Variable Sunbird Feeding: Feeds mainly on nectar, supplemented with insects and spiders, especially when feeding chicks.
🐛 Klaas's Cuckoo Feeding: Young cuckoos are fed insects and other protein-rich food brought by their unsuspecting foster parents.
👫 Social Life: Variable Sunbirds are usually seen alone or in pairs, while Klaas's Cuckoos are generally solitary outside the breeding season
🥚 Breeding: Klaas's Cuckoo does not build its own nest. Instead, it lays eggs in the nests of small birds such as sunbirds, which then raise the cuckoo chick
🌍 Conservation Status:
• Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) — Least Concern
• Klaas's Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas) — Least Concern
🔍 Interesting Fact:
The young Klaas's Cuckoo often grows much larger than its foster parents. Despite the obvious size difference, the hardworking sunbird parents continue feeding the chick until it becomes independent.
This extraordinary relationship is one of nature's most remarkable survival strategies and a reminder that the bird world is full of fascinating stories waiting to be discovered.
Like, follow, comment, and share to stay updated and be part of this journey into Uganda's birdlife.
Visit https://snapugandatours.com/birding-tours
to discover inspiring birding and photographic itineraries across Uganda and start planning your safari.
Photo credit Matthias Mugisha / Snap Uganda
UgandaBirdSeries BroodParasitism KlaassCu
