We see this bird every afternoon in our front yard, people have told us its a storm bird as it makes a wierd call when rain is due!! But as an avid python owner I now there is a proper common name and scientific name to this gorgeous bird and was wondering if anyone can help me with its identification??
Cheers
Bax
Sorry about that picture, 1st time posting here and didnt realise how small the picture had to be, hopefully this ones better!!
That is a Pheasant Coucal.
They ar3e a type of Cuckoo, but they build their own nests.
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=177
Unusual to get such a good look - they are skulkers.
Cheers
Denis
Denis Wilson
www.peonyden.blogspot.com
Thanks very much for your help!! We see him everyday around 4 in the afternoon, he's not shy either!!
Hi Bax,
That's an awesome photo of a bird that, as Denis mentioned, is often difficult to see. Where was this photo taken? The Pheasant Coucals in my area (inner Brisbane) are a lot more shy.
Andy.
Thanks Andy, it was taken at Bargara which is on the coast near Bundaberg. Next time I see him Ill try and take some good photo's, I only took this one quick so I could post it on here to find out what type of bird it was, so keep an eye out for a thread titled Pheasant Coucal at Bundy!! soon..
Bax
These things are very common around Kyogle where I live and I have been trying to get a photo for about twelve months. I often see them on the roadside but as soon as I stop to snap them they disappear into the bush. Some people around here call them Stormbirds, other people call Koels Stormbirds.
Ray
Stormbird is what my parents had been told what it was, I havnt seen it the last two days but have heard its distinctive call and Im starting to think there may be two in the area as I hear two distinct calls in diferent ares at the same time.
That decending whooping noise they make is definately a communication call of some kind. It may be teritory marking or attracting a mate. It is probably a threat to other males in the area. Whenever you hear that sound you almost always hear another coming from another place. I have acually seen two birds close to each other making this sound, a bit like two drunks yelling at each other.
Ray