Mike Daunt

The cruelty and cunning of the cuckoo

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issue 10 April 2021

St Tiburtius’ Day, on 14 April, is traditionally when you will hear the first cuckoo. Since at least the Middle Ages, cuckoos have been seen as heralds of spring. They are also often associated with romance, and yet they are some of the cruellest birds found in Britain.

The adults arrive in this country at the end of March or the beginning of April and depart in late July or August.

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