OCUCKOO—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. 
gs. Usually 6-7. Glossy white and nearly round. Av. 
size, °89x°73 in. Laying begins March-April, possibly earlier. 
Broods 1-2. 
Il. ORDER: CUCULIFORMES 
Family : Cuculide—Cuckoos 
95. Cuckoo [Cuculus camorus canorus Linneus]. Generally 
distributed. Summer visitor. Bird of passage (EK. 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 Fig. 58. 
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. 
Higgs. 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: Columbide—Pigeons 
96. Wood-pigeon, ring - dove, 
cushat [Columba palumbus palumbus 
Linneus]. Resident and generally 
distributed. 
Bird. Length 16in. Distinguished 
from other British pigeons by the 
white. patch on the neck and white 
band across the wing, visible in 
