European Cuckoo (Noun)
Meaning
Common cuckoo of Europe having a distinctive two-note call; lays eggs in the nests of other birds.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The European cuckoo is known for laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, a behavior called brood parasitism.
- A distinctive two-note call is one way to identify the European cuckoo, often described as a low, hollow "cu-coo".
- The European cuckoo migrates to warmer climates during the winter months and returns to its breeding grounds in Europe during the spring.
- Unlike some of its relatives, the European cuckoo is not known to be a skilled mimic, sticking mainly to its signature call.
- A host bird that discovers the European cuckoo's egg in its nest will often attempt to eject it, but this is not always successful.