The males have glossy violet feathers on the head and upper parts of the body.

The closely related species, C. amethystinus has a glossy blue-violet throat patch rather than reddish violet of this cuckoo.

[citation needed] The violet cuckoo is found from north-eastern India to Southeast Asia, Greater Sundas, Palawan and the Philippines.

[1] However one source suggests that the species is threatened in areas of its range because of habitat loss.

[citation needed] Cuckoos are brood parasites and lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.

The males are active and vocal during the breeding season in order to attract mates.