FAMILY CUCULID.E 



from the end of a branch, back downward with 

 wings fluttering, at such times presenting a very 

 striking appearance . ' ' (Richmond . ) 



40. Family CUCULID^E 

 The Cuckoos 



The. Cuckoos are a widely distributed 

 family of long-tailed, for the most part 

 arboreal but sometimes terrestrial, birds, with 

 the fourth toe permanently turned back- 

 wards. Some species are parasitic, laying 

 their eggs in the nests of other birds. They 

 feed on caterpillars and insects; the larger 

 ones also on small lizards, etc., and are mostly 

 rather solitary birds. None of the American 

 species are brightly colored. Their bill is 

 usually moderately long ; the upper mandible 

 somewhat curved downward. 



The anis (genus Crotophaga) constitute a 

 distinct group within the family, distinguished 

 by the glossy black plumage and the very 

 highly arched, deep and narrowly compressed, 

 bill. 



Key to the Cuckoos 



a. Coloration brownish; bill not excessively deep; com- 

 pressed and arched. 



b. No crest. 



c. Plumage smooth grayish brown above, bill gently 

 curved. 



d. A chestnut patch on wings; under parts dull 

 white Coccyzus a. americanus 



dd. No chestnut patch on wings ; under parts cinna- 

 mon buff Coccyzus m. minor 



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