koekoek

The koekoek, also known as the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), is a species of cuckoo belonging to the family Cuculidae. This migratory bird is found across a wide range of Eurasia, and winters in Africa and Southeast Asia. The name "koekoek" is onomatopoeic, mimicking the characteristic call of the male bird.

Koekoeks are medium-sized birds, typically measuring around 32-34 cm in length with a wingspan of 55-65 cm. They have a slender body, long tail, and a greyish plumage with darker barring on the underparts. Males and females are similar in appearance, although females may be slightly browner.

The most notable characteristic of the koekoek is its brood parasitism. Females lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, known as host species. These host birds then incubate the cuckoo's egg and raise the young cuckoo, often at the expense of their own offspring. The koekoek chick typically hatches before the host's eggs and will push them out of the nest, ensuring it receives all the parental care.

The diet of the koekoek consists mainly of insects, particularly hairy caterpillars, which are often avoided by other birds. Their migratory behavior is triggered by the availability of food and changing weather conditions. The koekoek's distinctive call is most frequently heard during the breeding season in spring and early summer.