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Glite Dictionary
🐦 Bird genus 🐦 Bird genus
Cuculus

Cuculus

9.9
A group of cuckoo birds that includes the common cuckoo
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cuculus
  • The cuckoo family takes its name from the song of the common or European cuckoo, Cuculus canorus.

Examples

  • The common cuculus is known for its distinct call and unique breeding behavior.

  • Bird watchers often seek out the cuculus during spring as they return from migration.

  • In many cultures, the arrival of the cuculus is a sign of the changing seasons.

Compounds

Cuculus canorus
  • Specialized
9.3

A European bird known for its two-note call that lays eggs in other birds' nests

Surface Forms

Cuculus singular
Cuculi plural

Etymology

The word Cuculus comes from Latin cuculus, an imitation of the bird's call 'cuckoo'. It names the 'genus' of cuckoo birds, so the word links the scientific name to the familiar sound the birds make.