Small Bronze Cuckoo

Bronze Cuckoo are so named for the sheen on their plumage. It may be less visible like on the Black-eared or totally glorious like the Little. They all have features in common and similar components to their calls. As cryptic birds that spend their time sneaking around laying eggs in other birds' nests, they are usually heard rather than seen. With high pitched calls that carry, you will hear them from a distance.

Little Bronze Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx minutillus)

The Little Bronze Cuckoo is the smallest of the Bronze Cuckoo at around the same size as a House Sparrow. There are a few sub-species, which confuse me no end. I do have clear photos of the russatus (also known as Gould's) and minutillus. There are clear differences between these two.

Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx basalis)

The Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo is a slightly plainer bronze than the Little and Shining varieties. It has a distinctive stripe through the eye. It is the most widespread of these cuckoo and can be heard across open Australia in a range of habitats. 

Shining Bronze Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus)

The Shining Bronze Cuckoo is the most bronze of this sub-family of cuckoo. It's back is a glory of green, blue and bronze depending on the light. It transits through Australia to and from New Zealand, although some are permanent residents here. They are usually heard rather than seen with a piercing, rising call. There are 2 sub-species, one with a more rufous head. 

Black-eared Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx osculans)

The largest of these cuckoo is the Black-eared Cuckoo. It is also the rarest. The range map below shows that it is widespread but patchy. Furthermore, it is also the plainest, lacking the breast stripes of the other species. Visually, it is obviously bigger than the others and the call markedly different as well with a descending but not unpleasant whine.