Picture of the Month - The African Emerald Cuckoo
Sunday, 10 May 2026
This gorgeous bird is a brood parasite (like most other cuckoos), meaning females lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species. The picture is of a male (he has a bright yellow breast). During the rainy-season breeding period between September and March, a female can lay about 19 to 25 eggs. Although they do not need territory to raise chicks, male cuckoos still defend territories to attract mates. The species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Image
Give a Gift
If you enjoyed this article, please consider making a gift to help Ark In Space to continue to bring you fascinating features, photographs and videos.
Thank you!