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Key information: The Common Cuckoo is a solitary bird that is more often heard than seen. It visits Cyprus mostly during spring migration and although there is not definite evidence yet, it likely breeds in small numbers in the forests. Both the Common Cuckoo and the Great Spotted Cuckoo are parasitic birds, which means they lay their eggs in the nests of other species, this way giving the responsibility of feeding and rearing their chicks to other bird species.

Length: 32 – 36 cm

Habitat: Mountains and forests

When they can be seen: Spring, summer

What they eat: Invertebrates

In Cyprus: Can be seen in forests as well as coastal areas during migration

Status: Passage migrant

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis