Common Cuckoo
NameCommon Cuckoo
Common NameCommon Cuckoo
Scientific NameCuculus canorus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)57.5
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)115
Plumage DetailsAdult males have slate-grey upperparts, head, and chest. The underparts are white with dark grey barring. Females can be similar to males or have a rufous morph with rufous-brown upperparts and barring. Both sexes have a yellow eye-ring, a yellowish base to the bill, and yellow feet. Juveniles are typically browner with more extensive barring.
Vocalization / CallThe male's call is the well-known 'cuck-oo' repeated two-note call. Females have a bubbling trill call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsopen woodland, heathland, grassland, marsh, farmland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and Asia, migrating to Africa and parts of Southeast Asia for the winter months.
Identifying Featuresgrey upperparts and head (males), finely barred white underparts, distinctive 'cuck-oo' call, yellow eye-ring and feet, slender body with long tail, hawk-like flight profile
Description
The Common Cuckoo is a medium-sized migratory bird known for its distinctive call and brood parasitic breeding strategy. Adults typically have grey upperparts and head, with finely barred white underparts, and a slender body shape.
