Page 17 - Cornwall Issue 2 2025

THE BIG PICTURE

THE DIEDERIK CUCKOO
Afr. Diederikkie
The Diederik Cuckoo is a fascinating bird native to
sub-Saharan Africa, renowned for its unique breed-
ing strategy. Unlike most birds that diligently build
their own nests and raise their young, the Diederik
Cuckoo has a parasitic lifestyle. The female cuckoo
lays her single egg in the nests of other birds, pri-
marily weavers. This parasitic behaviour allows the
cuckoo chick to be raised by unsuspecting foster
parents, ensuring its survival.

A skilled insectivore, the Diederik Cuckoo primar-
ily feeds on caterpillars, which it hunts with agility
amongst the leaves of trees and bushes. It also
includes spiders and other small invertebrates in its
diet.
The photograph depicts a captivating moment in the
Diederik Cuckoo’s courtship behaviour. The male is
offering a worm to a female, a common tactic seen
in many bird species. This display serves as a testa-
ment to the male’s prowess as a provider, a crucial
factor for females when choosing a mate – not un-
like humans I would think…!

THE SWALLOWS OF RIETVLEI

A M OM E N T IN F L I G H T GREATER STRIPED SWALLOW Cecropis cucul-

lata AFR: GROOTSTREEPSWAEL
The Greater Striped Swallow is a larger swallow
characterised by its chestnut crown and nape, heavily
streaked underparts, and long, deeply forked tail. It
is a conspicuous bird, often seen perched on wires or
fences. These swallows are known for their elaborate
mud nests which are flask-shaped with a long entrance
tunnel, typically built under eaves, bridges or culverts.
They are migratory within Southern Africa, moving to
warmer regions during the winter months. They hunt
insects on the wing, often in open areas or near water.

Cornwall View • Issue 2 2025 15