Cuculus

Cuculus is a genus of cuckoos with representatives in most of the Old World. However, the greatest diversity is in tropical southern and southeastern Asia.

They mostly occur in open forests, although some species prefer more open country.

Several species are migratory.

Subspecies:

Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo

Description

They have slender bodies, long tails and strong legs.

Calls / Vocalization:

This noisy species emits persistent and loud calls.

Diet / Feeding

They feed on large insects, including hairy caterpillars. They may also take fruit.

Breeding

Cuculus cuckoos are brood parasites and will lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, such as the European Common Cuckoo.

The female cuckoo replaces one of the host’s eggs with one of her own.

The cuckoo egg hatches earlier than the host’s, and the chick grows faster.

The cuckoo chick usually evicts the eggs or young of the host species.

 
 
 
 
 
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Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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