Common Cuckoo
NameCommon Cuckoo
Common NameCommon Cuckoo
Scientific NameCuculus canorus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)57
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)117.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males and most females have slate-grey upperparts, head, and upper breast. The underparts are white with prominent dark barring. The tail is dark with white spots, and the wings are dark brown. The eyes are yellow, and the bill is dark with a yellowish base, while the legs and feet are orange-yellow.
Vocalization / CallThe male's call is a well-known, two-note 'cuck-oo' from which the bird gets its name. Females have a bubbling trill or 'kwik-kwik-kwik' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsopen woodland, heathland, moorland, farmland, reedbeds
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and Asia, migrating to Africa and parts of Southeast Asia for the winter.
Identifying Featuresgrey upperparts and head, white underparts with dark barring, distinctive 'cuck-oo' call, hawk-like silhouette in flight, yellow eye, orange-yellow legs and feet
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 white underparts, often seen perched or flying low over open habitats.
