Family: Cuculidae

Piaya cayana;
Squirrel Cuckoo;
Alma-de-gato.

The brazilian name "Alma-de-gato" means "Soul-of-the-cat". The name may be related to the cat-like way this bird jumps in the tree tops from branch to branch. The "Soul-of-the-cat" is quite common in the region, and seems to be well adapted to secondary growth caatinga habitat. Sometimes, he even appears close to my house.
Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana)
18/10/2007; Reserva Ecológica Mãe-da-Lua, Itapajé, Ceará, Brazil. 200 mm f2.8 lens.