Pheasant Coucal mistaken for a koel

Sightings within the local survey area for the period 1 Jun 2012 - 31 Aug 2012. The local survey area is a rectangular area extending from Kingsthorpe NW of Toowoomba to the Mt Whitestone/Fordsdale area SE of Helidon.
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Barb Learmonth
Posts: 43
Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:33 pm
Location: Middle Ridge

Pheasant Coucal mistaken for a koel

Post by Barb Learmonth »

Female koel seen at 16 Niddrie Drive 6/6/12
Barb Learmonth
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Mick Atzeni
Posts: 1843
Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:08 pm

Koel in winter

Post by Mick Atzeni »

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
Michael Atzeni
7 Woden St, Murphys Creek 4352
Mob: 0499 395 485
Barb Learmonth
Posts: 43
Joined: Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:33 pm
Location: Middle Ridge

Koel

Post by Barb Learmonth »

OK Mick.
I took some photos. Haven't seen it since.
Barb Learmonth
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Mick Atzeni
Posts: 1843
Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:08 pm

Cold, but not so koel

Post by Mick Atzeni »

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
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