CUCULID#. 287 
THE CUCKOO. 
C&cuLus canérus, Linneus. 
The rnale 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-oo note, often 
uttered at night as well as by day. In June, according to the 
familiar adage, he “changes his tune” and bécomes 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 Fzeroes, 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 
