It appears that the Cuckoo is in trouble and disappearing from the United Kingdom countryside at an alarming rate.
The bird, with its familiar call that is heard echoing across fields and woodland from late March through to early July or August, migrates from its winter feeding grounds in sub-Saharan Africa to lay its eggs in the nests of other birds throughout Europe.
Changes to the countryside and habitats are said to be behind the decline but interestingly, according to the report on the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds website, climate change has not been linked to the decline.
The Cuckoo is now one of a number of birds that has been added to the Red List of of endangered birds. Other birds being included are: Lapwing and Yellow Wagtail.
For a full summary of the birds of conservation concern - click here.
For an explanation of how the Red, Amber and Green lists are worked out - click here.
However, it is not all doom and gloom. The Stone-Curlew, Woodlark, Quail, Scottish Crossbill, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting, which were added to the Red List in 2002 have now seen numbers increase and have been downgraded from their threatened status.
Other interesting websites: Birdlife International, Euopean Commission - Environment and the IUCN Red List of endangered species.
Image: RSPB
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