Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
Overview
Cuckoos are declining. That cuck-oo. The fells. Moorland. April to June. Used to be the sound of spring. Not anymore. Red list. Worth listening for.
At a Glance
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Habitat | Moorland · Woodland edge · Heath |
| Diet | Insects. Caterpillars. Parasitises meadow pipit and reed warbler nests. |
| UK population | Around 15,000 pairs. Red list. Declining fast. |
| Lake District | The fells. Moorland. That cuck-oo. Declining. April to June. Martindale. Foulshaw Moss. Used to be common. Not anymore. |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Moorland, woodland edge. The fells, Foulshaw Moss, Martindale. That call. Declining. Don't expect to hear one.
Identification
Grey. Barred. Cuck-oo call. Hawk-like in flight. Declining.
Viewing & Photography Tips
April to June. Moorland. Listen. They're declining. Don't expect to hear one.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring in the Lake District contributes to national population tracking.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.