Common Cuckoo

The Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), a member of the Cuculiformes order, is a bird of deceptive appearance and fascinating behavior. This species is a master of subterfuge, both in its hawk-like appearance and its notorious breeding strategy. Adult males are predominantly slate-grey with a barred underbelly, while females may also appear in a rufous morph, particularly in juveniles. The Common Cuckoo is a medium-sized bird, measuring 32–34 centimeters in length with a wingspan of 55–60 centimeters.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Common Cuckoo, look for its greyish body, long tail, and the sharp contrast between the grey throat and barred underparts. The yellow eye-ring, bill base, and feet are also distinctive. Juveniles may exhibit a white nape patch and white feather fringes. During flight, the bird's silhouette resembles that of a sparrowhawk, a mimicry that serves as a clever ruse in the cuckoo's reproductive strategy.

Habitat

The Common Cuckoo is typically found in open landscapes. It favors a variety of habitats that provide ample opportunities for its brood parasitism, including meadows, reed beds, and the edges of woodlands.

Distribution

A summer migrant to Europe and Asia, the Common Cuckoo embarks on an impressive journey to winter in Africa. Its range extends from Ireland to Japan and from the Pyrenees to northern China, with various subspecies adapted to specific regions.

Behaviour

The Common Cuckoo is a solitary and elusive bird, renowned for its brood parasitism. It lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the unwitting hosts to raise the cuckoo's offspring. The diet of the Common Cuckoo primarily consists of insects, with a particular fondness for hairy caterpillars.

Song & Calls

The male's distinctive two-note call, "goo-ko," heralds the arrival of spring and is a familiar sound across its range. The female's call is a less frequently heard but equally engaging bubbling sound.

Breeding

The Common Cuckoo does not build its own nest but instead relies on the nests of other bird species. The female cuckoo may lay eggs in the nests of over 100 different host species, with each egg remarkably mimicking the appearance of the host's eggs to avoid detection.

Similar Species

The Oriental cuckoo is similar in appearance but is generally shorter-winged. Careful observation is required to distinguish between these two species.

Diet and Feeding

The Common Cuckoo has a varied diet, predominantly composed of insects. It is particularly adept at consuming hairy caterpillars, which many other birds find unpalatable.

Conservation status

Despite a global decline in population, the Common Cuckoo is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Estimates suggest a population of 25 to 100 million individuals worldwide.