Coucal

/ˈkuːkəl/ noun

Definition

A large, ground-dwelling tropical bird related to cuckoos, known for its loud calls and distinctive appearance.

Etymology

From French coucal, derived from coucou (cuckoo) + -al, referring to this bird's family relationship to cuckoos despite different habits and appearance.

Kelly Says

Unlike their cuckoo cousins that lay eggs in other birds' nests, coucals actually build their own nests and raise their own chicks—but they kept the family name, making them the responsible relatives of the cuckoo world.

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