Channel-billed Cuckoo

Scythrops novaehollandiaeLatham, 1790

Also known asGugurrguygung

Least ConcernNative

Order: CUCULIFORMES
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Scythrops

Conservation: Least Concern
Commonness: Very common
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The channel-billed cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is monotypic within the genus Scythrops. The species is the largest brood parasite in the world, and the largest cuckoo.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length: 56–70 cm
Weight: 560–935 g
Wingspan: 88 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Presence is often revealed by aggressive mobbing, where the cuckoo is chased and swooped through the canopy by groups of crows, magpies, or currawongs.

flight

In the air, this species shows a distinct 'cross-shaped' silhouette with long wings and a long tail, often resembling a large hawk or falcon.

plumage

Adults display a prominent patch of bare, bright red skin surrounding the eye; juveniles are distinguished by buff-washed plumage and the absence of this red eye-ring.
The long tail features a broad, black horizontal band near the end, finished with a crisp white tip at the very trailing edge.

size_and_shape

Look for the massive, deeply curved, hornbill-like bill which features a thick grey base and a pale straw-colored tip.

voice

Listen for an unmistakable, deafeningly loud and raucous 'kawk-kawk-kawk' screaming call, frequently heard at dawn, dusk, or during flight.

02 · Where

Where to find it

Breeding range: Wallacea, north and east Australia and east Bismarck Arch.
Non-breeding range: New Guinea, Wallacea, and the Greater Sundas

03 · When

When to look

Months this species is recorded across its Australian range.

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

5 photos

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How to tell it apart

Where to find it

When to look

Habits and haunts

Diet & foraging

Habitats

Range notes

Plumage up close

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