The Cuculidae (scientific name) or cuckoo is a family of birds with a cosmopolitan distribution, found in all habitats across all continents excepting Antarctica and parts of South America. Medium-sized, their length varies from 6-25 inches. There are two body types, the arboreal (slender with short tarsi) or the terrestrial (heavy set with long tarsi). A unique feature of the cuckoo is its toes, which are zygodactyl. The two inner toes point forward and two outer toes point backward. Their diet is comprised of insects and caterpillars and in some species fruits. Many species of cuckoo are known as brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds. Most species are termed as the LEAST CONCERN in the IUCN listing.
Cuckoo
