CUCULID^. 



2S7 



THE CUCKOO. 



CucuLUS CANORUS, Liniijeus. 



The male Cuckoo, which precedes the female by a few days, 

 seldom arrives even in the south of England before April 6th, when 

 his presence is announced by the well-known cuck-00 note, often 

 uttered at night as well as by day. In June, according to the 

 familiar adage, he " changes his tune " and becomes hoarse, while 

 by August most of the adults have taken their departure, though 

 the young sometimes remain until October. In summer the bird is 

 found throughout the United Kingdom, inclusive of the islets. 



Though an accidental visitor to the Freroes, the Cuckoo ranges 

 almost to the North Cape in Norway ; nearly as far north in 

 Russia ; and across Northern Asia up to lat. 67°. Over Europe it 

 is generally distributed, and a comparatively small number breed in 



