Cuckoo

(Heb. shahaph), from a root meaning “to be lean; slender.” This bird is mentioned only in Lev. 11:16 and Deut. 14:15 (R.V., “seamew”). Some have interpreted the Hebrew word by “petrel” or “shearwater” (Puffinus cinereus), which is found on the coast of Syria; others think it denotes the “sea-gull” or “seamew.” The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) feeds on reptiles and large insects. It is found in Asia and Africa as well as in Europe. It only passes the winter in Palestine. The Arabs suppose it to utter the cry Yakub_, and hence they call it _tir el-Yakub; i.e., “Jacob’s bird.”

(Leviticus 11:16; 14:15) the name of some of the larger petrels which abound in the east of the Mediterranean.

CUCK'OO. Lev 11:16. Doubtless a mistranslation. It is thought most probable that "the slender bird" here referred to may have been a species of shearwater (Puffins), several kinds of which are common on the coast of Palestine, are sold in the markets of maritime towns, and, as living on fish, would be forbidden food to the Jews.

CUCK'OO. Lev 11:16. Doubtless a mistranslation. It is thought most probable that "the slender bird" here referred to may have been a species of shearwater (Puffins), several kinds of which are common on the coast of Palestine, are sold in the markets of maritime towns, and, as living on fish, would be forbidden food to the Jews.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

A bird belonging to Cuculus, Coccyzus, and several allied genera, of many species.