| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | About 32–34 cm in length; wingspan ~55–60 cm; weight ~110–130 g. A slender bird with greyish upperparts, barred underparts, and long tail. Yellow eye-ring, slightly curved bill, and pointed wings. Juveniles resemble adults but are paler.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Migratory species — breeds in Europe and northern Asia.
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| Migrate to: | Winters in sub-Saharan Africa, southern and southeastern Asia, including India and Sri Lanka.
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| Breeding season: | April to July in breeding range. A brood parasite, laying eggs in the nests of other birds such as warblers, pipits, and reed warblers. Does not build its own nest.
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| Breed in: | Open woodlands, forest edges, wetlands, and farmland where host species are present. Female cuckoos select nests for egg-laying based on host species.
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| Habitat: | Prefers open forests, grasslands with scattered trees, wetlands, and agricultural fields. Often secretive, perching on branches and calling with its characteristic “cuckoo” call.
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| Diet: | Primarily insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and other insects. Occasionally consumes small invertebrates. Forages by gleaning and sallying from branches.
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