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SPECIES PROFILE
Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
Cuculus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Indian subcontinent Europe Africa
DIET
Insectivorous
HABITAT
Forests woodlands scrub
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Cuculiformes
FAMILY
Cuculidae
GENUS
Cuculus
📋 Description
SIZE
32-34 cm long 100-120 g
COLORATION
Grey upperparts white underparts barred belly
ADAPTATIONS
Brood parasite agile flight for host nest access
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forests woodlands scrub
DIET
Insectivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Indian subcontinent Europe Africa
REPRODUCTION
Lays 1 egg in host nests incubated 11-13 days
DIET DETAILS
Insects caterpillars small invertebrates
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Brood parasitism habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Familiar Callers: Common Cuckoos parasitize with 110-gram bodies eating 30 grams of insects daily in Kashmir's forests. Their cuckoo calls are iconic.
2
Migratory Parasites: These cuckoos cover 3000 sq km in Himalayan woodlands parasitizing warbler nests. Habitat loss affects their hosts.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Gulmarg in Kashmir
Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
June-September Monsoon breeding enhances audibility for spotting cuckoos
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Listen for common cuckoos' classic calls in woodlands
