NON-INDIGENOUS BRITISH BIRDS. 97 



without gloss, and uniform pea-green in colour without 

 markings. Average measurement, ri inch in length 

 by •85 inch in breadth. The duration of the period of 

 incubation is unknown, also which parent performs the 

 task. 



Diagnostic characters : The eggs of the present 

 species may generally be distinguished from those of 

 the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, by their much smaller size 

 and darker colour ; but as small eggs of the latter 

 species cannot be separated, the greatest care is required 

 in their identification. 



Family CUCULID.^. Genus Coccyzus. 



YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. 



Coccyzus americanus {Li?mmis). 



(British : Very rare abnormal autumn migrant.) 



Single Brooded. Laying season, April, May, and June. 



Breeding area: Southern Nearctic region. The 

 Yellow-billed Cuckoo breeds throughout the continent 

 of North America in suitable districts from New 

 Brunswick and Minnesota, in the north, southwards 

 to Mexico and the West Indies. It is, however, less 

 common in the northern areas. 



Breeding habits : The Yellow-billed Cuckoo arrives 

 at the northern Hmits of its migrations towards the end 

 of April, but is a month or more earlier in the south. 

 This bird is also shy and secretive in its habits, keeping 

 much amongst the dense foliage, and is far more often 

 heard than seen. Its favourite haunts are woods and 

 clumps or "bluffs" of trees, but the bird may also 



H 



