Page 19 - 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…!

BROWN-THROATED MARTIN
Riparia paludicola
AFR: AFRIKAANSE OEWERSWAEL
The Brown-throated Martin is a small, brown-
backed bird with a pale brown throat and under
parts. It is often seen near water, as it relies on
aquatic insects for sustenance. These martins
are known for their rapid, erratic flight as they for-
age. They build their nests in burrows excavated
in sandy banks or earth cliffs, often near rivers
or dams. In South Africa they are generally resi-
dent, although some local movements may occur
in response to food availability. They frequently
form loose colonies, particularly when breeding,
and are often seen in large flocks outside of the
breeding season.

Cornwall View • Issue 2 2025 17