Common Cuckoo
NameCommon Cuckoo
Common NameCommon Cuckoo
Scientific NameCuculus canorus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)57
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)117.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males have slate-grey upperparts, head, and upper breast, with white underparts finely barred with dark grey or black. The tail is long and dark with white spots. Females can be similar to males or have a rufous (hepatic) morph. Juveniles, like the one pictured, have dark grey-brown upperparts barred with rufous, and white underparts heavily barred with dark grey, often with a white patch on the nape. They have a prominent yellow eye-ring and a dark bill with a yellowish base.
Vocalization / CallThe male's iconic two-note 'cuck-oo' call, which gives the species its name. Females produce a bubbling trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatswoodland, forest, heathland, open country, marshland, agricultural areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and Asia, from the Atlantic coast to Japan. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in Africa and southern Asia.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive 'cuck-oo' call (male), Grey upperparts and barred white underparts (adult male), Long tail with white spots, Hawk-like flight profile, Brood parasitic behavior (lays eggs in other birds' nests), Yellow eye-ring and yellowish bill base (especially in juveniles/females)
Description
The Common Cuckoo is a medium-sized migratory bird known for its distinctive call and brood parasitic breeding strategy. It has a sleek, hawk-like appearance with grey upperparts and barred underparts, often seen perched in open woodlands or heathlands.
