There are about 140 species in the Cuculidae family. This family includes most of the world’s cuckoos and is found in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as parts of Australia.

Cuckoos have slender bodies, long tails, strong legs, and slightly curved bills. They live in many different habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, and open countryside.

Many people know cuckoos because some species are brood parasites. Instead of building their own nests, the female lays her eggs in the nest of another bird. The foster parents then hatch the eggs and raise the young cuckoo. However, most cuckoo species build their own nests and care for their chicks.

Most cuckoos eat insects, especially caterpillars that many other birds avoid. They also eat spiders, small reptiles, eggs, fruit, and other small animals, depending on the species.