A cuckoo clock is a mechanical timepiece that originated in the Black Forest region of Germany. It is known for its distinctive design, often featuring intricate carvings and a small bird that emerges to announce the time. The clock typically strikes on the hour and sometimes on the half-hour, with the cuckoo sound produced by a bellows mechanism. These clocks are usually powered by weights and pendulums, which help regulate timekeeping. Many cuckoo clocks also include additional features, such as moving figurines or musical chimes, making them popular decorative items as well as functional clocks.