COMMON CUCKOW. 



79 



The growth of the young Cuckow is extremely 

 rapid \ it has a plaintive chirp, which is not learned 

 from its foster-parent ; and it never acquires the 

 adult note during its stay here. A fierceness of 

 disposition shews itself long before it leaves the 

 nest ; for when irritated it assumes the manners of 

 a bird of prey, and pecks with great vehemence at 

 any thing presented to it, often making a chuck- 

 ling noise like a young hawk • there seems to be 

 no precise time fixed for their departure. Dr. 

 Jenner believes they go off in succession, as soon 

 as they are capable of taking care of themselves ; 

 for although they stay here till they become nearly 

 equal in size and growth of plumage to the old 

 ones, yet in this very state the fostering care of 

 the Hedge-sparrow is not withdrawn from them. 

 Dr. Latham imagines some of the young ones 

 may stay over the winter, which is the occasion of 

 their having been heard in February. 



It is supposed there are more male Cuckows 

 than females : since two are often seen in dispute 

 where a third has been in sight ; which, no doubt, 

 was of the opposite sex. Mr. Pennant observed, 

 that five male birds were caught in a trap in one 

 season ; and Dr. Latham says that, " out of at 

 least half a dozen that I have attended to, my 

 chance has never directed me to a female ; and it 

 is to be wished that future observers may deter- 

 mine whether our observations have risen only in 

 chance, or are founded on general circumstances." 

 He believes that the males are more liable to be 

 shot, their note directing the gunner where to 



