Cuckoo

Cuckoo is a term that refers to a family of birds, known as Cuculidae, which includes the common cuckoo, roadrunners, and anis. The family is notable for its unusual breeding habits, with many species laying their eggs in the nests of other birds.

Description

Cuckoos are medium to large birds, with the majority of species being solitary forest dwellers. They are known for their distinctive call, which has given them their name. The cuckoo family includes the common cuckoo, which is known for its distinctive two-note call, and the roadrunner, which is famous for its speed and agility.

Behavior

Cuckoos are known for their unusual breeding habits. Many species are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other birds. The cuckoo egg hatches earlier than the host's, and the cuckoo chick grows faster; in most cases the chick evicts the eggs or young of the host bird. The chick has no time to learn this behavior, so it must be an instinct passed on genetically.

Distribution and habitat

Cuckoos are found in all parts of the world except the driest areas and the Antarctic. They are generally solitary birds that only come together to mate. The majority of species are arboreal, living in forests or woodland, although a sizeable minority are terrestrial, living in desert or savannah.

Conservation status

Many species of cuckoos are threatened by habitat loss and other forms of human activity. However, some species have adapted well to human changes and have expanded their range.

See also

• Bird
• Brood parasite
• Common cuckoo
• Roadrunner

External links

• Britannica: Cuckoo Bird

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