The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

CUCULIDAE

Cuculidae is the Cuckoo family of birds of the order Scansores. They have a moderate bill, rather deeply cleft, both mandibles compressed, and more or less curved downwards. the nostrils are exposed and the wings for the most part are short, the tail lengthened. They have four toes, two pointing forwards and two backwards, but the outer hind toe of each foot can be placed at right angles with either the inner or outer toe. They are tropical birds, many of which migrate to the temperate regions in summer. They are not so decidedly climbers as the Woodpecker and Creepers, but have the power of clinging. Their flight is feeble, their food soft-bodied insects, varied in many cases with berries and other fruits, and some of the larger species occasionally prey on mice, reptiles and the eggs and young of birds. They lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.
Research Cuculidae