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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Clamator glandarius
Great spotted cuckoo. Greek: κισσόκουκος. Massari, April 2023.
Rare passage migrant. Length: 35-40 cm, wingspan: 58-61 cm. Sexes similar. Distinctive appearance with grey crest, spotted wings and long tail. Brood parasite, lays eggs in nests of Eurasian magpies and other corvids; breeds on neighboring Kos Island due to presence of magpies, which are absent on Rhodes. Feeds on insects, caterpillars, small reptiles. Usually noisy with loud characteristic calls. Strong pair bond.
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