Birds

By Garba Sidi

Various research studies have confirmed that there are 10,721 bird species in the world (Wikipedia, 2022; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2022; IOC World Bird List, 2022). Although some species have become extinct due to various factors, new species continue to emerge.

As an avid reader, bird enthusiast, and forest lover, I am amazed by the beautiful colours of different bird species as they fly around their territory and eat nectar, insects, and small mammals in the forest. Observing them in their habitats allows us to appreciate the beauty of nature.

Among the 10,721 bird species, the Cuckoo comprises 140 species, all living in different habitats in various regions. The fascinating behaviour of Cuckoos, which captures the attention of bird enthusiasts and researchers, is their unique reproductive process. 

Unlike other birds, which lay and hatch their eggs in their nests, Cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds’ nests after careful observation and selection. They sometimes remove other birds’ eggs from the nest and replace them with their own. The host bird will then hatch the egg and feed the chick until it grows.

This remarkable strategy teaches us about the importance of community members. If not for other birds, the Cuckoo species would not survive. This highlights that people in our society have advantages we may not know will help us someday. For instance, just as Cuckoos rely on host birds for survival, we may find unexpected support from others in our community during challenging times.

Secondly, Cuckoos use the break time of other birds during hatching as an opportunity to exchange their eggs. They watch and observe bird movement, nest structure, and surroundings for many hours. Although their efforts may sometimes go in vain when host birds recognise and remove their eggs, Cuckoos continue their strategic process due to their belief in opportunism. This teaches us to seize opportunities and persevere, just like Cuckoos continue to evolve their species.

Furthermore, Cuckoos’ adaptability is remarkable. They have been observed laying eggs in the nests of over 100 different host species, from tiny warblers to large gulls. This adaptability is crucial to their survival, enabling them to thrive in diverse environments.

Thirdly, Cuckoos have adapted to various environments, from extreme heat to cold, by forcing themselves to adjust. Their ability to live in diverse habitats, such as grasslands, wetlands, forests, and urban areas, teaches us to cope with different situations through patience. For example, just as Cuckoos can thrive in scorching deserts and freezing tundras, we can learn to overcome challenges through resilience and determination.

Moreover, the Cuckoo’s unique reproductive strategy highlights the importance of cooperation and mutualism in nature. Different species can thrive and survive in a challenging world by working together and relying on each other. This is evident in how Cuckoos rely on host birds for survival and how they have developed unique strategies to ensure the survival of their species.

The Cuckoo’s adaptability and resilience offer valuable lessons for our own lives. As we face the challenges of climate change, economic uncertainty, and social upheaval, we can learn from the Cuckoo’s ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.

Furthermore, Cuckoo’s unique behaviour and strategies offer insights into the importance of creativity and innovation. We can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals by thinking outside the box and developing new solutions to challenges.

The Cuckoo’s remarkable ability to adapt to different environments and hosts is a testament to their resilience and ability to evolve. This ability to grow is crucial in today’s fast-changing world, where adaptability is critical to survival.

We can also learn valuable lessons about cooperation, mutualism, creativity, and innovation. By embracing the spirit of collaboration and mutualism, we can build more resilient and supportive communities.

As we face the challenges of our lives and our world, we can draw inspiration from the remarkable lives of Cuckoos. By embracing their spirit of adaptability, resilience, and creativity, we can build a more sustainable, compassionate, and vibrant world.

In conclusion, the life of Cuckoo offers valuable lessons about the importance of community, adaptability, and opportunism. Their unique reproductive strategies, adaptability to diverse environments, and persistence in the face of challenges provide insights we can apply to our lives.

By studying the behaviour of Cuckoos, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and our place within it. Their unique characteristics and behaviours inspire us to be more adaptable, resourceful, and compassionate.

The lessons from Cuckoos’ lives become even more relevant as we face the challenges of climate change, habitat destruction, and species extinction. By embracing their spirit of adaptability and resilience, we can work towards a more sustainable future for all.

In the end, the life of Cuckoo teaches us valuable lessons about the importance of community, adaptability, and opportunism. Their unique behaviour and strategies offer insights we can apply to our lives, from the importance of creativity and innovation to the value of resilience and determination.

Garba Sidi wrote via sidihadejia@gmail.com.