The RED-CHESTED CUCKOO and its brood hosts

Listen to the loud, repetitive 'Piet-my-vrou' calls of a male Red-chested Cuckoo. This bird woke me up at 3.30 am and 4.15 am this morning. It was calling loudly in a tree in my garden. I have also included in this video 9 brood hosts of this very vocal cuckoo that are found in the Eastern Cape.

[@warrengage9536]

My Dad says that as a kid he remembers that when the old people heard the 'Piet my vrou', it was time to plant mielies.

[@lynetterudman]

I've also heard people say that when the Piet-my-vrou calls it is going to rain soon.

[@yesidtac7863]

Wooo

[@lynetterudman]

Thanks!

[@mikesmit6663]

reminds me of Mthatha when i used to go work there. end of Autumn, beginning of summer

[@lynetterudman]

Yes, this one has been calling in my garden the past 4 days.

[@luciafischer3190]

Thanks again Lynette😊 You dont often hear them on the Highveld but we used to say they were very welcome as forecasters of rain .

[@lynetterudman]

Funny that you say that about the rain. It has rained all morning here.

[@hendrikdebruin4012]

We have plenty of them in Eswatini - you hear them every day in fact - rain is scarce though.

[@richardbryant4721]

I’m finding your short videos incredibly informative as an uneducated bird lover

[@lynetterudman]

Glad you like them! I try to keep them short and to the point.

[@hendrikdebruin4012]

Same here I am so thankful for this channel.