Medium Sized Cuckoo

These cuckoo are larger than the Bronze Cuckoo and are grouped for their smilarities. They are often seen in the same kind of posture, they all have the distinctive 'cuckoo' bill that is short and decurved along the top. Their long tails have obvious patterns on the inside. While the bronze birds are sparrow sized, these birds are bigger and often look quite plump.

Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis variolosus)

The Sahul Brush Cuckoo is rather plain but interesting nonetheless. I spent some time watching an adult and juvenile at Tyto Wetlands and they were very confiding. Their call has to be the most dull you have ever heard. The bird itself sound fed up with it! Never fails to make me smile when I hear it. 

Pallid Cuckoo (Cacomantis pallidus)

The Pallid Cuckoo is again, a rather plain, plump cuckoo but still holds fascination for me. It has the least 'cuckoo-like' call but it is still distinctive and carries a long distance. Although it is widespread it is rather uncommon, usually seen perching as the bird photographed below.

Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformes)

The Fan-tailed Cuckoo is the most commonly seen of this group of cuckoo. It is very attractive with blue/grey plumage and pale rufous front. Unlike the others, it has a trilling call which is nonetheless distinctive and piercing. It is found in any area with lots of trees and so can be seen in gardens and parks. Present across south western and eastern parts of Australia.

Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo

Still got to get this rarest of the group!