Its yellow bill, reddish crest, and orange irises make this cuckoo easily identifiable. Its plumage is mainly gray, its legs are short, bluish-gray, and its tail is spotted. The female is generally slightly larger than the male.

It is a sociable bird. Despite being a cuckoo, it is not a parasite on other birds, but builds its own nests. Several females lay eggs in the same nest, and can gather up to 30 eggs. The eggs are incubated by all the laying females and are white with greenish tinges, although they gradually turn a lighter shade of brown.

At this time of year, it is a rather noisy bird, performing a characteristic call to attract attention.

The chicks, despite being nestlings, are born with their eyes open and in just eight days they can jump out of the nest and remain in the surrounding area while they finish emancipating themselves.