Cuckoo

The cuckoo has a solitary behaviour and is known for its long migration. Migratory birds arrive in Romania in spring, starting in April, and leave in late autumn for sub-Saharan Africa, where they spend the winter. It is renowned for its parasitic behaviour, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species. The female cuckoo chooses the nests of her hosts, usually smaller birds, and lays her egg among her host's nests. The cuckoo chick hatches first and often removes other eggs or chicks from the nest, thus ensuring more abundant food from its 'adoptive parents'.

Cuculus canorus

Description and how to observe Cuckoo:

The Cuckoo is one of the most distinctive birds of the Danube Delta, known for its unmistakable song. It is a medium-sized bird, about 32-34 cm long with a wingspan of 55-60 cm. Its plumage is generally grey and its tail is long and slightly rounded with white spots. Males have a grey colouring on the upper body and a finely striped abdomen, while females may have brownish shades. The cuckoo is easiest to spot in the spring months, when males sing to mark their territory. It can usually be seen in the forests of the Danube Delta and on thickly vegetated banks, but it is a discreet bird, usually flying quickly and remaining hidden among the branches.

What it feeds on Cuckoo:

The Cuckoo is an insectivorous bird, feeding mainly on large insects such as caterpillars, which other birds avoid because of toxic substances or irritant pearls. The cuckoo has a digestive system adapted to eat these insects, including spiny caterpillars, which are an important food source. They also eat various species of beetles, grasshoppers and other insects.

Threats:

In the Danube Delta, the cuckoo faces several threats, including habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change, which affect migration and food sources. Human activities that lead to degradation of the delta's natural habitats can negatively affect cuckoo populations and other migratory bird species.

Ecological role:

Cuckoos play an important ecological role in controlling populations of insect pests, especially caterpillars. By feeding on these insects, the cuckoo contributes to the balance of the ecosystem in the Danube Delta, indirectly preventing the proliferation of insect species that could affect the local vegetation.

More information about Cuculus canorus:

The cuckoo is a protected species in many European regions, including Romania, and is considered an indicator of the health of natural habitats. Cuckoo sightings and their parasitic behaviour are studied by ornithologists to better understand the complex species relationships and evolutionary adaptations of birds.