Where I live, the seasons slip past almost unnoticed. Trees don’t blaze with colour, and the air cools only a little. For me, the sign of Autumn is the departure of the Channel-billed Cuckoo. They are the largest brood parasite in the world, and the largest cuckoo with a wing span of 88-107cm.
Despite the size of the cuckoo, it is often shy, remaining hidden in tree canopies feeding on fruit and most active in early morning and night. Its loud raucous call makes it more often heard than seen.
They appear right on cue in October, their harsh calls echoing through the day and night. By March, they’re gone again, vanishing north to Indonesia under the cover of night. The young birds, barely six months old, leave their worn out host parents and are swept along in their first migration.
For me, the Channel-billed Cuckoo isn’t just a bird—it’s the sound of the season shifting.
You have some really interesting animals in Australia Glenys. This is a really nice shot
It’s a big bird, I’m wondering how large the hosts may be?.. I will do a bit of research
This is a wonderful image, Glennie. I can only appreciate scenes and images like this from others like yourself as it takes much different gear than I’m accustomed to using. Thinking on the WC theme I had not even thought of migratory events such as you’ve posted here. Good idea there…
Along with this unique bird Australia has some of the most interesting nowhere to be found critters on earth. One of my favorites are the Kolas. High on my list of not any favorites are them extremely venomous snakes…
Thanks everyone! @Ryan_H , the host parents are usually Aussie Magpies, Currawongs or Crows. I have heard of them laying eggs in much smaller birds’ nests. I have also heard this cuckoo does not evict the original young or the eggs, but by sheer size the young cuckoo will out compete the original brood. This is an adult bird that had nested in my paddock in a crows nest. We did find the bodies and part bodies of the crow young but no proof to show that the cuckoo had killed and tossed them.
Glenys: Up until now the only cuckoo I had ever seen was in my grandmother’s clock . Really cool bird in great light and with a marvelous BG. Thanks also for explaining what a parasitic bird is. Top notch image. >=))>
Very creative composition with the dappled light. The darkness around the bird really puts the focus on the bird. You do have some really unique life Down Under. Thanks for sharing.
Glennie, in the mid-Atlantic states there are two types of Cuckoos. I find it fascinating that our Cuckoos aren’t heard calling until about mid-August (late summer). It’s also interesting that a bird this big seems to be shy and your photo shows that very well.
Wonderful portrait!!! Superb light, environment, pose and detail! One tiny nit – the smallish darker blobs in the UL corner are a bit eye-catching. Maybe a very small blur on them?? Nothing should compete with this gorgeous subject!
I’m always excited to see the creatures you capture so well – keep it up!
. Really cool bird in great light and with a marvelous BG. Thanks also for explaining what a parasitic bird is. Top notch image. >=))>