First evidence of early socialization in the Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius)

Abstract

The scarce information available regarding social behaviour of parasitic cuckoos suggests that most species are solitary out of the migratory season. Clamator cuckoos tend to live in small groups during winter. A single observation of two juvenile great spotted cuckoos resting and flying together in early summer is reported. Coupled with observations of captive birds, this fact suggests that Great Spotted Cuckoo may establish social relationships at an early age.