Common Cuckoo

Cuculus canorus

Scarce Summer migrants from April-September with 14,000 Males in Britain in woodland, farmland & moorland, plus 12,000 in Ireland & declining.

Also breeds in mainland Europe & North Africa from April-July.

Winters in South Africa.

Adults have greyish, slender body and long tail, similar to a sparrowhawk in flight, where the wingbeats are regular.

Juveniles have the white nape patch and white feather fringes.

The Male's song is a goo-ko, is usually given from an open perch. During the breeding season the male typically gives this vocalisation with intervals of 1–1.5 seconds, in groups of 10–20 with a rest of a few seconds between groups.

The Female has a loud bubbling call.