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Recordings
Width
65.0 cm
Length
34.0 cm
Information
Uncommon passage migrant usually in spring. A widespread forest bird of temperate Eurasia, migrating to tropical Africa where it overwinters. It will rest during migration on any tree in a variety of habitats, even in the city. Occurs in two colour morphs (slate grey in males and sometimes rufous morph in adult females). In flight it resembles a rather clumsy accipitrine hawk.
Where in Kuwait
It can be found on passage in a variety of habitats, but typically where there are mature trees, as well as farmlands.
In the world
It has an extremely large range and has undergone a moderate decline. This species is a widespread summer migrant to Europe and Asia, and winters in Africa. It is a brood parasite, which means it lays eggs in the nests of other bird species, this includes many small song-birds such as Dunnocks, Meadow Pipits, and Eurasian Reed Warblers. At the appropriate moment, the hen cuckoo flies down to the host's nest, pushes one egg out of the nest, lays an egg and flies off. The whole process is very rapid, usually taking about 10 seconds. A female may visit up to 50 nests during a breeding season. The Common Cuckoo well-known harbinger of spring, the arrival of this species in Europe is eagerly awaited each April.
Local threats
Loss and dergradation of special insect-rich habitat and the use of pesticides may affect birds at the local scale.