218 
THE CUCKOO’S SECRET 
“ cuck-oo,” but it is the habit of the female to 
alight in silence. After laying she frequently 
“ bubbles,” much as the domestic hen “ cackles ” 
after a similar act. It is likely that her cry is then 
both an expression of relief at having safely 
deposited her egg and a solicitation of attendant 
males. 
So far as my study of Cuckoos has gone, it is 
perfectly certain that only the female takes part in 
the watching of the fosterers, the finding of the 
nests, and the deposition of the eggs, for which 
purposes she separates herself from her attendant 
male or males. But when she has been over-long 
in the matter of laying, I have noticed that the 
male may apparently evince some concern. Other 
observers, notably G. J. Scholey, maintain that 
the male accompanies the female when she is on 
egg-laying bent, and renders her assistance by 
distracting the attentions of the intended fosterers. 
Possibly there is considerable variation in the 
habits of different Cuckoos in this as in other 
respects. 
The male’s familiar note is undoubtedly at 
times his song ; at others, it serves to announce 
his whereabouts to the female. 
