cu
ckoo
Plural
cuckoos
1
a medium-sized bird with a grayish-brown plumage that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds
A cuckoo is a fascinating and enigmatic bird known for its unique breeding behavior and distinctive call. Found across various continents, including Europe, Asia, and Africa, the cuckoo is often associated with its remarkable reproductive strategy of laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, relying on them to raise its offspring. The cuckoo's plumage varies among species, but it generally features a sleek and slender body with a combination of gray, brown, and white feathers, enabling it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. The male cuckoo is known for its unmistakable call, which is a familiar sound in many natural environments, resembling its name "cuck-oo." This call serves to establish territory and attract a mate. Despite its charming appearance and melodic voice, the cuckoo has gained a reputation as a brood parasite due to its unique reproductive habits.
- The cuckoo's melodic call echoed through the forest, signaling the arrival of spring.
- With stealthy movements, the cuckoo laid its eggs in the nest of a unsuspecting songbird, tricking it into raising its young.
- The cuckoo's distinctive song served as a natural alarm clock, awakening the forest with its cheerful melody.
- The cuckoo's arrival was eagerly anticipated by birdwatchers, who waited patiently for a glimpse of the elusive bird.
- The cuckoo's parasitic behavior often leads to conflict with other bird species, who defend their nests against intruders.
2
a man who is foolish, incompetent, or mentally erratic
- Don't listen to that cuckoo—he has no idea what he's talking about.
- The manager called him a cuckoo after the project failed.
- That cuckoo forgot all the important documents for the meeting.
- He acted like a cuckoo during the presentation.
- Only a cuckoo would attempt such a reckless stunt.