Common cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
The cuckoo, common cuckoo, European cuckoo or Eurasian cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, Cuculiformes, which includes the roadrunners, the anis and the coucals.
About the Common cuckoo
The cuckoo, common cuckoo, European cuckoo or Eurasian cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, Cuculiformes, which includes the roadrunners, the anis and the coucals. This species is a widespread summer migrant to Europe and Asia, and winters in Africa. It is a brood parasite, which means it lays eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly of dunnocks, meadow pipits, and reed warblers. Although its eggs are larger than those of its hosts, the eggs in each type of host nest resemble the host's eggs. The adult too is a mimic, in its case of the sparrowhawk; since that species is a predator, the mimicry gives the female time to lay her eggs without being attacked.
Fun Facts About Common cuckoo
- The adult too is a mimic, in its case of the sparrowhawk; since that species is a predator, the mimicry gives the female time to lay her eggs without being attacked.
- It is a brood parasite, which means it lays eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly of dunnocks, meadow pipits, and reed warblers.
- Although its eggs are larger than those of its hosts, the eggs in each type of host nest resemble the host's eggs.
Conservation Status
The Common cuckoo is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | Cuculus canorus |
Range & Habitat
🛍️ Common cuckoo Gifts & Merch
Show your love for common cuckoos! Find t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, mugs, and more at our store.
Browse Common cuckoo Merch →Related Species
Other species in the Cuculidae family: