Cuculidae

Cuckoos are birds in the Cuculidae family, with around 150 species, including the common cuckoo and road runners. They are usually medium-sized and prefer forest habitats, but some are ground-dwellers. Cuckoos mainly live in tropical areas and have varied diets, primarily eating insects and fruit. While many raise their own young, some lay their eggs in other birds’ nests.

Cuckoos are culturally significant, linked to spring in Europe and myths in Asia. They are found on all continents except Antarctica and avoid some regions in South America, North America, and dry parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Most cuckoo species are sedentary, but some migrate to warmer areas in winter.

Cuckoos tend to be solitary and active during the day. They mainly eat insects and caterpillars, using special techniques to catch their food. Ground cuckoos may also eat lizards.

The Asian koel primarily eats fruit, while some cuckoos, like certain koels and couas, eat fruit but are not solely frugivorous. Most cuckoos are monogamous, but anis and guira cuckoos have communal nesting behaviors.