Bhutan (B), China (mainland), Congo [The Democratic Republic of the], India, Japan, Kenya, Malawi, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea (B), Pakistan, Russia (Asian), South Korea (B), Sri Lanka, Tanzania [United Republic of], Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Vagrant to Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China), Laos, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Thailand.
Unknown to Afghanistan.
Himalyas to Korea, Japan. Winters mainly in South Africa, East Africa, some of South East Asia.
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Voice
Highly vocal, particularly early morning and late afternoon, but also at night, in flight over canopy. A six-note whistle 'tep-pen-kaketaka' or 'that's your cho-ky pepper' rising over the first four syllables, with emphasis on 'choky' and falling on the final slurred double syllable.
Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus) [XC723572]
by Ray Tsu \u8bf8\u4ec1 from Cape Nanhui, China (song)
Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus) [XC183011]
by Frank Lambert from Dongzhai Nature Reserve (disused road through forest), Henan Province, China (flight call)
Nest
None. Egg(s) laid in that of the foster parents. The most common species are Cettia warblers.