About Cuckoos

Overview

Cuculiformes are the cuckoos, a large and varied order of 157 species found on every continent except Antarctica. They range from the famous brood-parasitic cuckoos that lay their eggs in other birds' nests to large terrestrial roadrunners and coucals. Cuckoos have zygodactyl or semi-zygodactyl feet and often long tails. They are important predators of hairy caterpillars and other invertebrates.

Classification

The order Cuckoos (Latin: CUCULIFORMES) comprises 1 families and roughly 157 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

Cuculiformes are the cuckoos, a large and varied order of 157 species found on every continent except Antarctica.

Notable Families

Cuckoos and others.