Old World Cuckoos (W)

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Cuculidae

The Cuculidae or cuckoos are a family of near passerine birds, many of the Old World species of which are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of birds of other species.

The family also includes the American cuckoos, the roadrunners, the anis, and the coucals, none of which are brood parasites, building their own nests in trees or bushes. Unlike many cuckoos, the coucals lay their eggs in nests on the ground or in low shrubs. These large tropical cuckoos are capable of taking vertebrate prey such as lizards.

These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Most occur in forests, but some are birds of more open country. Most are insect eaters, with hairy caterpillars, which are avoided by many birds, being a speciality.

Coucals

American Cuckoos

Anis and Allies

Roadrunners

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