THE CUCKOO 283 



throughout Europe, passing through North Africa 

 chiefly on migration, but a few remain to breed. 

 In Asia it is a summer visitor to Palestine, Asia 

 Minor, Persia, Afghanistan, Turkestan, Siberia, 

 the Himalayas, Mongolia, China, and Japan. Its 

 winter range includes the African portion of the 

 Inter-Tropical Realm, India, and Malaysia. 



The Cuckoo generally arrives in the British 

 Islands about the middle of April, that is to say in 

 the southern districts, for the bird is at least a 

 fortnight later in the northern ones. The males 

 precede the females by a few days. As we 

 previously remarked, this species may be met with 

 almost everywhere, in cultivated districts as well 

 as upon the open moors and even the mountain-tops, 

 bare country as well as woodlands, inland as well as 

 littoral localities. Its ubiquitousness is equalled by 

 few other birds. At all times of its stay upon our 

 shores we should be disposed to describe the Cuckoo 

 as a somewhat shy and retiring species. It loves 

 to sit amongst the foliage, at intervals flying across 

 the open country from one tree or plantation to 

 another, in a direct unwavering manner, with tail 

 straight out and wings somewhat rapidly and very 

 regularly beating. Sometimes, however, it may be 

 noticed to turn and twist about in an erratic way, or 

 swoop Hawk-like towards the ground, then soar 

 upwards into the nearest tree. As most readers 

 may be aware, small birds persistently mob this 



