THE BIRD-LIFE OF LONDON 
to the contrary I flatly refuse to believe that the Cuckoo 
has ever reached England in March unless a specimen be 
actually shot and identified by some competent authority. 
Every year, like the sea-serpent and the big gooseberry, 
the Cuckoo question becomes acute for a week or so, until 
April brings the dear little stranger without further doubt 
or controversy. Fortunately he begins his song almost at 
once, and as the birds wander about a good deal upon their 
arrival the welcome note is frequently heard in most 
unlikely spots. ‘The note is too well known to require 
uescription here, but I may say that it is unquestionably 
dttered by the male alone, often during flight, is con- 
tinued with great persistency through May, begins to fall 
off in June, and finally ceases in July. ‘Towards the end 
of the singing period the cry very often consists of three 
notes, the first syllable being repeated. ‘The note of the 
female is a peculiar sound, something like that made by 
water bubbling from a bottle. The Cuckoo is seldom 
seen in company except during the laying season, and only 
occasionally visits the ground, spending most of its time 
in the trees. It may sometimes be seen flying from one 
tree to another across the open fields or along the hedge- 
sides, and it will be noted that the flight is rapid and 
buoyant, the wings beating rapidly and the long tail closed 
and held horizontally. After alighting the bird frequently 
expands its fan-shaped tail, dips its body, and utters a 
chattering cry. Upon the ground its short legs render its 
movements awkward, and it progresses in short leaps or 
hops. ‘The food of the Cuckoo consists chiefly of insects 
and larve, many of which it obtains amongst the foliage ; 
the larve of the Dunker Moth and the Oak-egger are 
much sought. The young are fed on insects, worms, 
and grubs, the food of their foster-parents. ‘There is 
much in the economy of the Cuckoo of profound interest, 
and’ bearing on some of the most puzzling of biological 
questions, which, however, it is impossible to deal with 
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