From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Common cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Cuculus
Species: C. canorus
Binomial name
Cuculus canorus
Linnaeus, 1758
Range of Cuculus canorus
Breeding
Passage
Non-breeding
Possibly Extant (breeding)
The common 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.
Taxonomy
The species' binomial name is derived from the Latin cuculus (the cuckoo) and canorus (melodious; from canere, meaning to sing).[2][3] The cuckoo family gets its common name and genus name by onomatopoeia for the call of the male common cuckoo.[4] The English word "cuckoo" comes from the Old French cucu, and its earliest recorded usage in English is from around 1240, in the song Sumer Is Icumen In. The song is written in Middle English, and the first two lines are: "Svmer is icumen in / Lhude sing cuccu." In modern English, this translates to "Summer has come in / Loudly sing, Cuckoo!".
Welcome to WildWoodlands SouthWest,where we explore the mysterious and wonderful
WildWoods,learning about the Wildlife,and doing projects to benefit the animals,birds and plants. In Summer,we are visited by the mysterious and elusive Nightjar,which will nest at the wood for the summer months. There are also Owls,Woodpeckers,Woodcock,Birds of Prey,Deer,Stoats,Badgers,Foxes and many more residents of the WildWood.
With Trail and Thermal camera,we are able to get a close up view of these fascinating creatures,day and night.
A Wildlife Pond has recently been built,which is still in the process of getting established,and used by the animals,and birds.
Other projects include Camping and survival,Campfire cooking,Shelter building and managing a WildWood in England,come rain or shine!
We will be uploading 4 new Videos every month,and really appreciate all your support,comments and feedback!!
Welcome to WildWoodlands SouthWest
All rights reserved.