cuckoo Summary and Overview

(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 Israel. The Arabs suppose it to utter the cry "Yakub", and hence they call it "tir el-Yakub"; i.e., "Jacob's bird."

#Le 11:16; De 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.

shachaph; Leviticus 11:16; Deuteronomy 14:15; unclean. Rather the Greek cepphus of Aristotle, a large petrel, as the Puffinus cinereus. From a root "to be slender", "light of body" like a gull, whose body is small compared with its apparent size and outspread wings; it skims the waves, seeking its food in the agitated water. Andouini's gull, abounding on the shores of Syria (Tristram), a more likely bird than the storm petrel, which is seldom seen on land.