Male. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon., on May 1st 2018. (© David Hastings)
(1/250th sec at f/13. Click image for larger version)
Juvenile. Taken at Otmoor, Oxon on August 11th 2007. (© David Hastings)
(Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 32 - 36 cm; WS: 54 - 60 cm

The Cuckoo is a dove-sized bird with blue-grey upper parts, head and chest, and dark-barred white underparts. With its sleek body, long tail and pointed wings is is not unlike a Sparrowhawk. The sexes are similar.

Cuckoos can be found throughout the British Isles, but are more common in southern and central England. Adults arrive in late March or April and depart in July or August, with young birds leaving a month or so later. Birds over-winter in central Africa.

A variety of habitats are used, from marshes and moorlands to woods and fields.

The Cuckoo is a well-known brood parasite. Dunnocks, Meadow Pipits and Reed Warblers are commonly used as hosts. Female Cuckoos specialise in mimicing the eggs of one species.

The Cuckoo is a Red list species owing to recent population declines. Around 15000 pairs breed in Britain.

Sightings