Common Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="cuculus-canorus"></birdfyi-bird>About
Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) — 32–34 cm. Grey above; white below with black barring; pointed wings; yellow orbital ring; long tail. Palearctic breeder from Britain to Japan; winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Brood parasite targeting 100+ host species. Insectivore specialising in hairy caterpillars. The quintessential herald of European spring.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 38.4 cm | 15.1 in |
| Weight | 116.25 g | 4.10 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Common Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark graduated tail; yellow eye-ring; brood parasite; widespread
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: O. Incubation: 12-12 days. Fledging: 17-18 days.
Clutch Size
1-18
Sound
Song
Loud, far-carrying iconic call; descending cuckoo notes audible at great distance across European landscape.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes (Cuckoos) |
| Family | Cuculidae (Cuckoos) |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | Cuculus canorus |
Distribution
Common Cuckoo has been recorded in 6 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Common Cuckoo endangered?
How does the Common Cuckoo nest?
What does the Common Cuckoo sound like?
How big is the Common Cuckoo?
What order and family does the Common Cuckoo belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Cuculidae family