Definition:

(noun) The scientific bird family classification that includes all cuckoos as well as coucals, couas, anis, roadrunners and malkohas. There are approximately 140-150 birds in the Cuculidae family, depending on how different species are categorized. This is a diverse grouping of birds and cuckoos or related species are found on every continent except Antarctica, typically in tropical or forested habitats, though some are found in drier regions.


No cuckoos are found in the harshest Arctic regions or in the world's most barren deserts, including in northern Africa, the Middle East or in southwestern South America, though migrants or vagrants may be recorded in those areas.

Though there is much variation among these birds, characteristics shared by many Cuculidae species include:

• Relatively slender build, often with a very long tail
• Brood parasite reproductive habits, though not all are brood parasites
• Generally shy and secretive, but often seen sunning
• Typically similar plumage between males and females, though genders may differ in size or calls

Familiar birds in this family include the greater roadrunner, common cuckoo, smooth-billed ani, yellow-billed cuckoo and pied coucal.

Photo – Guira Cuckoo © Ron Knight

Pronunciation:

KEW-kew-lih-deye or kew-KEW-lih-day

Also Known As:

Cuckoos