Fig. 58. 



CUCKOO PIGEONS 49 



Nest. Usually in a circular chamber at the end of a hole 

 2-3 ft. long, burrowed in a bank of earth, generally near a 

 stream. Sometimes in holes of walls. Material : fish-bones, 

 accumulated usually after lying in the form of " pellets " dis- 

 gorged by the birds. 



Eggs. Usually 67. Glossy white and nearly round. Av. 

 size, *89 x *73 in. Laying begins March- April, possibly earlier. 

 Broods 1-2. 



HL ORDER: CUGUUFORMES 



Family : Cuculidce Cuckoos 



95. Cuckoo [Cuculus canorus canorus Linnaeus]. Generally 

 distributed. Summer visitor. Bird of passage (E. Clarke). 



Bird. Length 14 in. Recognised by the bluish colour of 

 the upper-parts of throat and upper 

 breast, the long dark bluish and white- 

 spotted tail, the white black-barred 

 breast, the toes, two directed for- 

 ward and two back, and the well- 

 known note. Wings dark bluish 

 with brownish-black quills. Female 

 smaller, with more or less rufous on 

 the forebreast or neck. The young are mainly rufous-brown 

 with dusky bluish bars, and with a more or less white patch on 

 the forehead and nape. 



Nest. None made. The hen deposits the eggs in the nest 

 of other species, the hedge-sparrow, Pipits, Wagtails, robin, 

 Warblers, wren, Finches, Redstart, Chats, and many more. 



Eggs. Vary greatly in coloration, and sometimes resemble 

 those of the foster-species. Av. size of 626 eggs, *88 x '65 in. 

 (Rey). The eggs are therefore usually somewhat larger than 

 those laid by the foster-species. 



IV. ORDER: CHARADRII- 

 FORMES 



(1) Family: Golumbidce Pigeons 



96. Wood - pigeon, ring - dove, 

 cushat [Columba palumbus palumbus 

 Linnaeus]. Resident and generally 

 distributed. 



Bird. Length 16 in. Distinguished 

 from other British pigeons by the 

 white patch on the neck and white 

 band across the wing, visible in 



Fig. 59. 



