Cuckoos
Cuculidae
Family Distribution
This map shows the combined distribution of all species in the Cuculidae family.
Colour intensity indicates the number of species present in each region:
- Darker colours = More species
- Lighter colours = Fewer species
Attribute Champions
The Common Cuckoo displays remarkable agility, with its slender body and long, pointed wings enabling swift, undulating flight patterns. Its ability to manoeuvre through varied habitats, from woodlands to reed beds, demonstrates high aerial prowess.
Whilst not exceptionally strong, the Common Cuckoo possesses adequate strength for its size. Its ability to remove host eggs and eject nestlings as a chick indicates a degree of physical power, though it's not known for feats of great strength as an adult.
The Common Cuckoo exhibits extraordinary adaptability. Its parasitic breeding strategy, ability to mimic host eggs, and capacity to thrive in diverse habitats across Europe and Asia showcase remarkable adaptive skills. Additionally, its long-distance migration demonstrates adaptability to varying environments.
Though not typically aggressive towards other adult birds, the Common Cuckoo displays a form of reproductive aggression through its brood parasitism. The behaviour of cuckoo chicks ejecting host eggs or nestlings is notably aggressive, warranting a moderately high score.
The Common Cuckoo's long-distance migration between Europe and Africa demonstrates considerable endurance. Its ability to undertake these journeys, coupled with the energy demands of finding and parasitising multiple host nests during breeding season, indicates high stamina and resilience.
