AI Animal Encyclopedia

cuckoo

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Aves, Cuculiformes, Cuculidae, Genus Cuculus (Cuculus canorus for Common Cuckoo)
Cuckoos are found in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and gardens. They are typically migratory birds, breeding in temperate regions and wintering in tropical areas.
Cuckoos vary in size, with lengths ranging from about 20 cm (7.9 in) to 60 cm (23.6 in) depending on the species.
The weight of cuckoos can vary significantly; for example, the common cuckoo weighs between 100 to 200 grams (3.5 to 7.1 oz), while larger species can weigh up to 500 grams (17.6 oz).
The lifespan of cuckoos can vary by species, but many can live up to 4-5 years in the wild, with some individuals known to live longer.
Cuckoos are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers. Some species may also eat small fruits.
Cuckoos are known for their brood parasitism, where they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the host birds to raise their young.
Natural enemies of cuckoos include larger birds of prey, such as hawks and eagles, as well as snakes and mammals that may raid their nests.
Cuckoos are famous for their distinctive call, which is often associated with the arrival of spring. They have a unique reproductive strategy that involves laying eggs in the nests of other birds, which can lead to a decrease in the host species' reproductive success.