Common Cuckoo

Also known as Cuculus canorus, cuckoo

species of bird

AI overview

The Common Cuckoo is a migratory bird species found across Europe, Asia, and Africa that is famous for laying its eggs in the nests of other birds rather than raising its own young. This behavior makes it an important subject for studying animal reproduction and adaptation in nature.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Least Concern

common cuckoo

Species

PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderCuculiformes
FamilyCuculidae

Maximum longevity: 12.9 years (wild)

via IUCN

Wikidata facts

Mass: 106
Image: Cuculus canorus2.jpg

Show 8 more facts

taxon name: Cuculus canorus
Commons category: Cuculus canorus
Commons gallery: Cuculus canorus
wingspan: 58
litter size: 9.2
egg incubation period: 12
taxon common name: Кәдімгі көкек
short name: C. canorus

Sources (12)

via Wikidata · CC0

~35 min read

Article

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.