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The Cuckoo does visit the Common and most Kinson areas from April to September.
It is a parasitic bird which lays its eggs in the nests of other birds and lets them hatch out and take full care of its young.
The plumage is slate-grey above with white barred underparts.
Both sexes are similiarly marked. Young birds may be either greyish- brown or
even reddish-brown in colour. When in flight, it resembles a hawk, but closer
inspection will reveal its distinctive markings and body shape.
Haunt. All areas of Kinson.
Eggs. These vary and the Cuckoo lays its egg in the nest of any
close-matching species. One egg is laid in up to 25 host nests!
Once hatched, the fledgling pushes out the eggs or young of the host
birds and is cared for by them until it is ready to leave the nest.
Even after leaving the nest, it is cared for by the host birds until it is
completely independent.
Food. All types of insects and caterpillars.
Notes. All manner of notes including the best known "cuckoo".
In a well populated area such as Kinson, the call is often heard very
early in the mornings during the spring.
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