Common Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
Best known for its iconic “cuck-oo” call, the Common Cuckoo is a brood parasite—laying eggs in other birds’ nests, especially those of pipits or warblers. Around Lihou, you might hear or see a passing Cuckoo in spring as they move through coastal scrub. Their sleek grey bodies, pointed wings, and long tails can resemble a small bird of prey in flight.
- Habitat: Open country, woodland edges, moorland, or scrub—often near the nests of host species.
- When to See: Arrives in spring (April–May), departing by late summer.
- Diet / Food: Primarily caterpillars and other insects; known to be unfussy in prey choice.
- Length: 32–34 cm