The only think I can think of would be mourning dove perching weird. I know
I have pursued quite a few merlins that flew by, only to find a mourning
dove. But then again, their beaks are quite short compared to a cuckoo.
Hopefully you can find you bird again and get an answer!

On Sat, Nov 28, 2020 at 08:26 Leslie Nulty <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> David G:  I'd be shocked if it was a common grackle - it was VERY slim and
> more brownish - not at all glossy - to me grackles are much heftier.  I'll
> look for it again but it didn't perch for long....
>
> On Fri, Nov 27, 2020 at 5:43 PM David Guertin <[log in to unmask]>
> wrote:
>
> > If it was backlit so the color details weren't visible, maybe a Common
> > Grackle? Obviously their colors are nothing alike, but a backlit
> > silhouette might be similar.
> >
> > It would be a real shock to see a cuckoo this time of year!
> >
> > Dave G.
> >
> > On 11/27/20 4:00 PM, Leslie Nulty wrote:
> > > In Jericho yesterday spotted what looked like a black-billed cuckoo
> > > (possibly juvenile).  It was backlit and I didn't have binos but
> couldn't
> > > think of anything else that would fit its profile - about 12", slim,
> > > relatively small head, long tail (no stripes on tail), erect posture
> when
> > > perched.  It didn't call so no sound to identify.  Sibley says they
> > > shouldn't be here in the winter. Any other ideas?
> > >
> >
>
>
> --
> Best regards,
>
> Leslie
>
> Leslie Nulty
> P.O. Box 1121
> Jericho Center, VT 05465
> home office: 802-899-4582
> cell: 802-324-1496
>