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14-01-2021
Column: Nature Notes - CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO
Column: Nature Notes - CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO
This is a large species - length of up to 66cm, weight up to one kilogram with a one metre wingspan. Its plumage is mottled grey on back and wings, pale chest; its long tail is barred. A patch of bare red skin surrounds the eye. It has a massive, curved beak that is reminiscent of the appearance of a hornbill’s beak. In flight its long tail and wide wingspan give it a crucifix shaped silhouette; it flies with strong, slow, regular wing beats. Its preferred habitat is tall forest and it typically feeds high in the tree canopy; native figs and fruit are favourite foods.
Channel-billed Cuckoos are found in Indonesia, Timor, Papua New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago; there are three sub-species, two of which remain resident in these areas. The migratory species flies to northern and eastern Australia to breed, and vagrant birds have been observed as far away as Victoria, New Zealand and New Caledonia.
The birds arrive in Australia between August and October every year to breed - not to build a nest and raise

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