The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is native to a broad area spanning Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. This species is widespread across these continents, extending from the United Kingdom and central Europe to eastern Russia and into parts of China. It also breeds in the higher altitudes of the Himalayas and other mountainous regions in Asia. During the winter, the common cuckoo migrates to sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia.

The common cuckoo inhabits a wide variety of environments but is typically found in temperate regions with a mixture of open landscapes and wooded areas. It frequently resides in deciduous and mixed forests, moorlands, farmlands, and areas with significant shrub coverage. The cuckoo tends to avoid dense forests and deserts.

The common cuckoo occupies a unique ecological niche as a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of various small passerine birds, such as warblers and pipits. This behavior influences its choice of habitat, as it requires access to the nesting grounds of its host species. The cuckoo's environment typically supports a rich diversity of birdlife, which is crucial for the success of its reproductive strategy.