Pheasant Coucal mistaken for a koel
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- Posts: 43
- Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:33 pm
- Location: Middle Ridge
- Mick Atzeni
- Posts: 1843
- Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:08 pm
Koel in winter
Hi Barb
Is this bird still hanging around?? Very unusual record for winter - possibly a first - so would appreciate it if you could complete a Rare/Unusual Bird Report.
Thanks
Mick
Is this bird still hanging around?? Very unusual record for winter - possibly a first - so would appreciate it if you could complete a Rare/Unusual Bird Report.
Thanks
Mick
Michael Atzeni
7 Woden St, Murphys Creek 4352
Mob: 0499 395 485
7 Woden St, Murphys Creek 4352
Mob: 0499 395 485
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- Posts: 43
- Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:33 pm
- Location: Middle Ridge
- Mick Atzeni
- Posts: 1843
- Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:08 pm
Cold, but not so koel
Folks
Barb's photos have revealed the bird was in fact a Pheasant Coucal, in non-breeding plumage, sitting high up in a gum. Actually, Barb concluded this herself after she checked the photos and consulted a better field guide. Good on you Barb; glad this one has been rectified.
Incidentally, I noted in my diary I saw a Pheasant Coucal in breeding plumage 20th April at home. I can't say definitely it was the last but I have only seen birds in non-breeding plumage for the past 3-4 weeks. The plumage transition from breeding to non-breeding is something I have never bothered to look out for though I will in future. One reason for this, is that for most of my life I had assumed the non-breeding birds were just females until I had cause to finally read the description. In fact, as I write this, I can't even recall seeing two coucals together (but surely I must have!), let alone two engaged in courtship, which is probably why it took so long for the penny to drop. I can't tell you when they acquire breeding plumage either, or even if some birds retain their breeding plumage all year round.
So much to learn ...
Cheers
Mick
Barb's photos have revealed the bird was in fact a Pheasant Coucal, in non-breeding plumage, sitting high up in a gum. Actually, Barb concluded this herself after she checked the photos and consulted a better field guide. Good on you Barb; glad this one has been rectified.
Incidentally, I noted in my diary I saw a Pheasant Coucal in breeding plumage 20th April at home. I can't say definitely it was the last but I have only seen birds in non-breeding plumage for the past 3-4 weeks. The plumage transition from breeding to non-breeding is something I have never bothered to look out for though I will in future. One reason for this, is that for most of my life I had assumed the non-breeding birds were just females until I had cause to finally read the description. In fact, as I write this, I can't even recall seeing two coucals together (but surely I must have!), let alone two engaged in courtship, which is probably why it took so long for the penny to drop. I can't tell you when they acquire breeding plumage either, or even if some birds retain their breeding plumage all year round.
So much to learn ...
Cheers
Mick