ML644845829

Observation details

A large, bulky cuckoo with a stout bill, a large rounded tail and lacking the ‘cute’ appearance of Lesser Cuckoo, hence the ID as Common Cuckoo. A very pretty bird, generally chestnut-chocolatey brown barred all over (although back looks slaty-brownish, not barred). Fast flight, almost giving the impression of a small kestrel, regular wingbeats and only gliding towards a perch. Pale tips to coverts and brown eye would indicate an immature bird (nape patch not seen and not visible in the photo due to the angle it was taken). Breast was not observed. Observation and photos submitted to SBRC