Mutterikaikkuja

Mutterikaikkuja, also known as the "Muttering Cuckoos," are a group of birds belonging to the family Cuculidae. These birds are characterized by their distinctive, loud, and often repetitive calls, which are typically delivered in a series of three or four notes. The calls are often described as "ku-ku-ku" or "koo-koo-koo," and they can be heard throughout the day, particularly during the breeding season.

Mutterikaikkuja are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. They are known for their brood parasitism, meaning they do not build their own nests or incubate their own eggs. Instead, they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, such as wrens, thrushes, and warblers. The host birds then incubate the eggs and raise the young mutterikaikkuja as if they were their own.

The mutterikaikkuja species are relatively small, with most species measuring around 15-20 centimeters in length. They have a slender body, a long tail, and a distinctive crest on the head. Their plumage varies by species, but many have a brown or gray upper body and a white or buff underbody.

Mutterikaikkuja are found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are generally considered to be beneficial for the ecosystems they inhabit, as they help to control insect populations and contribute to the overall biodiversity of their habitats. However, their brood parasitism can sometimes lead to conflicts with other bird species, as the host birds may be less successful in raising their own young when they have to share their nest with a mutterikaikkuja.