閑古鳥が鳴く

Etymology
Phrase composed of +. Literally, “the cuckoo-bird calls”.

Used as a metaphor for loneliness or desolateness; see the entry for more. Compare, which similarly uses an animal noise to allude to a lack of response or activity.

Attested since 1929. Appears to have largely replaced the older version,, which is not listed in some dictionaries.