Cuckoos

135 species

Cuckoos are birds in the family, the sole taxon in the order Cuculiformes which includes the common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas, coucals, and anis. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution and the majority of species are tropical. Some species are migratory. The cuckoos are for the most part solitary birds that seldom occur in pairs or groups. The biggest exception to this are the anis of the Americas, which have evolved cooperative breeding and other social behaviors. For the most part, the cuckoos are also diurnal, but many species call at night. Most species live in trees, though a sizeable minority are ground-dwelling. These birds feed on insects, insect larvae, and a variety of other animals, as well as fruit. Some species are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other species and giving rise to the metaphor cuckoo\'s egg, but the majority of species raise their own young.
show less
Cuckoos are birds in the family, the sole taxon in the order Cuculiformes which includes the common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas, coucals, and anis. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution and the majority of species are tropical. Some species are migratory. The cuckoos are for the most part solitary birds that seldom occur in pairs or groups. The biggest exception to this are the anis of the Americas, which have evolved cooperative breeding and other social behaviors. For the most part, the cuckoos are also diurnal, but many species call at night. Most species live in trees, though a sizeable minority are ground-dwelling. These birds feed on insects, insect larvae, and a variety of other animals, as well as fruit. Some species are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other species and giving rise to the metaphor cuckoo\'s egg, but the majority of species raise their own young.
show less