Cuach
The cuckoo is a migrating bird. This means that for half of the year, it lives in one part of the world. For the other half it migrates, or moves, to live in a different part of the world.
Cuckoo
Copyright Mike Brown
Copyright Mike Brown
When you see a cuckoo in Ireland, it is a sign that spring has arrived.
The cuckoo has a blue-grey head. It is white underneath with black bars. Its wings are spotted and it has two yellow feet.
Can you guess how the cuckoo got its name?
When the male calls out, it makes a low sound like coo-coo coo coo-coo! However, the female's call is very different.
You can listen to the cuckoo’s song here.
Caterpillars are one of the cuckoos favourite meals.
Photograph of a Puss moth caterpillar on a branch.
Caterpillars are one of the cuckoos favourite meals.
Caterpillars are one of the cuckoos favourite meals.
Photograph of a Puss moth caterpillar on a branch.
It likes to live in woodlands, near farms or along the coast. It also eats insects, and caterpillars are one of its favourite meals!
It is very different to other birds in one way - it doesn't build its own nest. It takes another bird's nest instead!
The cuckoo throws away any eggs that are already in the nest to make room for its own egg.
It really is a very cheeky bird!