372 
COMMON CUCKOO. 
known “ harbinger of spring.” Within a few years 
straggling specimens of a second form have been 
added, which we shall notice in its place. The 
True, or Parasitic Cuckoos, typical of the sub- 
family Cnculhioe, are found only in the Old 
World, and have chiefly drawn attention by the 
fact of their employing another bird to rear the 
young. They are all migratory, have sombre 
and unobtrusive plumage, and feed principally 
on insects. 
Cuculus, Linn Generic characters. — Bill 
slightly curving, with an obsolete notch, 
depressed at the base, rictus ample, nostrils 
round ; wings long, pointed, third quill 
longest ; tail cuneated, long ; tarsi short, 
partially feathered. 
Note . — Do not rear their own young. Europe* 
Asia, Africa, Australia. 
THE COMMON CUCKOO. 
Cuculus canorus LlKNiEUS. 
PLATE XXIV. 
Cuculus canorus. Will. Linn C. canorus rufus, Gmel. 
Lath The Common Cuckoo of British authors. 
There are few birds which have excited so 
much interest as the Common Cuckoo ; its note 
