CUCKOO DOVE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "cuckoo dove" refers to a type of bird belonging to the family Columbidae, characterized by its resemblance to both cuckoos and doves. Also known as "emerald dove" or "green-winged pigeon," cuckoo doves are medium-sized birds found in various parts of Southeast Asia and the Australasian region.
Physically, cuckoo doves are typically around 30 centimeters in length, with a plump body, short neck, and a distinctive fan-shaped tail. They have a beautiful plumage, with shades of green on their upperparts, a light pinkish coloring on their underparts, and bright red or orange eyes. Male and female cuckoo doves generally exhibit similar appearances, making it challenging to differentiate between genders based on looks alone.
These birds inhabit a range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and gardens, where they feed primarily on seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates. Cuckoo doves are mainly arboreal, spending much of their time perched in tree canopies or flying from branch to branch. Their flight is direct and swift, usually with a distinctive whistling sound produced by their wings.
Cuckoo doves are known for their soft and melodious calls, often described as a repetitive "coo-COO-coo." Their vocalizations are an essential part of courtship and territorial displays.
Due to their delightful appearance and soothing calls, cuckoo doves are a popular choice among birdwatchers and avian enthusiasts. However, several species of cuckoo doves are experiencing population declines and threats due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and hunting. Efforts are being made to conserve these birds and raise awareness about their ecological importance.
Etymology of CUCKOO DOVE
The word "cuckoo dove" is a compound noun that combines the terms "cuckoo" and "dove".
The term "cuckoo" comes from Middle English "cuckow" or "cuckou", derived from Old French "cocu" and ultimately from the Latin word "cuculus". The Latin word was likely an onomatopoeic representation of the sound the bird makes.
The term "dove" comes from Old English "dūfe", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*dūbōną". It is believed to have been borrowed from the Proto-Indo-European root "*dʰewh₂-" which means "to fly, smoke, rise in a cloud".
When these two terms are combined, "cuckoo dove" describes a bird species that exhibits some characteristics of both the cuckoo and dove species.
