Suurepärne

Suurepärne, also known as the Great Spotted Cuckoo, is a species of cuckoo native to Europe and Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive black and white plumage, with a black cap, white cheeks, and a black and white striped breast. The male has a black throat, while the female has a white throat. The species is known for its loud, booming call, which is often described as a "cuckoo" sound.

The Great Spotted Cuckoo is a brood parasite, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species. The female cuckoo carefully selects a host nest, often that of a thrush or warbler, and lays a single egg that closely resembles those of the host species. The host bird then incubates the egg and raises the cuckoo chick as its own. Once the cuckoo chick hatches, it pushes the host's eggs or young out of the nest, ensuring that it receives all the food and care.

The breeding season for the Great Spotted Cuckoo typically occurs between April and July, depending on the region. The species is migratory, with populations in northern Europe and Asia moving south to winter in Africa. It is a common sight in open habitats such as meadows, grasslands, and farmlands.

The Great Spotted Cuckoo is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not currently threatened with extinction. However, habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural practices and urban development pose potential threats to the species. Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring suitable habitats for the cuckoo and its host species.