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Cuckoos

Cuckoos are medium-sized, slender birds that are part of the Cuculidae family and are known for their distinct calls. This diverse family includes various species such as the common cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, and anis, with some members possibly constituting their own separate families. These birds have a global presence, though they are predominantly found in tropical regions and exhibit a mixture of sedentary and migratory behaviors. Cuckoos have varied diets that can include insects, larvae, fruit, and other small animals. A prominent feature among cuckoos is brood parasitism, practiced by some species, where they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving the host species to raise their offspring. The practice has influenced their cultural significance throughout human history, appearing in myths and symbolizing diverse concepts from springtime to unrequited love across different cultures. Physically, cuckoos range from very small to relatively large, with some species demonstrating zygodactyl feet (two toes pointing forward and two backward) and long tails that aid in flight. They exhibit varying levels of sexual dimorphism and have adapted different wing shapes and styles to suit their arboreal or terrestrial lifestyles. Cuckoos are mostly solitary and their breeding strategies vary from communal nesting to solitary brood parasitism. Their secretive nature is often contrasted by the conspicuous nature of their calls, which is essential for communication within the species. Despite the general disadvantage of parasitism to host species, there are complex ecological interactions that sometimes lead to mutual benefits. The evolutionary history and fossil record of cuckoos are not well understood, but they have been grouped with turacos and bustards into a higher clade named Otidimorphae. With over 150 species divided into roughly 33 genera, cuckoos continue to captivate ornithologists and bird enthusiasts worldwide.

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A photo of a Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) , male

Asian Koel

Eudynamys scolopaceus

Brush Cuckoo

Cacomantis variolosus

Buff-headed Coucal

Centropus milo
A photo of a Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novaehollandiae)

Channel-billed Cuckoo

Scythrops novaehollandiae
A photo of a Chestnut-winged Cuckoo (Clamator coromandus)

Chestnut-winged Cuckoo

Clamator coromandus
A photo of a Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)

Cuckoo

Cuculus canorus
A photo of a Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis)

Fan-tailed Cuckoo

Cacomantis flabelliformis
A photo of a Himalayan Cuckoo (Cuculus saturatus) , male

Himalayan Cuckoo

Cuculus saturatus
A photo of a Hodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx nisicolor)

Hodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo

Hierococcyx nisicolor
A photo of a Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor)

Mangrove Cuckoo

Coccyzus minor
A photo of a Oriental Cuckoo (Cuculus optatus) , male

Oriental Cuckoo

Cuculus optatus

Pacific Koel

Eudynamys orientalis

Pacific Long-tailed Cuckoo

Urodynamis taitensis
A photo of a Pallid Cuckoo (Cacomantis pallidus) , male

Pallid Cuckoo

Cacomantis pallidus

Rufous Hawk-Cuckoo

Hierococcyx hyperythrus
A photo of a Shining Bronze Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus)

Shining Bronze Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx lucidus
A photo of a Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani)

Smooth-billed Ani

Crotophaga ani
A photo of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus
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