Australia · birds · in my garden · photography · seasons · subtropical weather · summer

A Rare Visit From A Pheasant Coucal

Joanne

We share our garden every summer with these stunning birds, yet rarely see them near the house.

This week, however, a Coucal paid a visit. In great excitement, I (quietly) grabbed my camera to (hopefully) get a shot before he flew away. They can be pretty skittish birds!

When he went to fly away, I thought that was the end of the visit, but he flew to my clothesline. Meanwhile, I stood quietly taking photos as the Coucal posed this way and that.

It may have even seen me, just inside the glass door, clicking away with my camera, but clearly, it didn’t believe I was a threat. As you can see it was cautious, as he fluffed his feathers and spread his wings, probably in preparation to take flight.

When the Coucal settled and turned, I took a photo of its back view.

When he checked me out again, his feathers were unfluffed – he had apparently calmed down.

For me, this was an incredible opportunity to zoom in on this beauty. When I hear them call, it is often when rain is about. Many people call them Storm Birds, due to hearing their call when storms are about. Their call echoes… and I found a webpage where a recording of their whooping call can be heard. Click on this link and on the right side of the page, under the heading ‘Calls’ is a short recording to listen to … then imagine heat and humidity in the air, lush green growth in the garden which is the Coucal’s preferred habitat, and the sloping terrain heading down into a valley at the back of my house, which adds to the echoing quality of the call in my garden.

The Coucal’s tail feathers are quite long,

… and on its back, it has soft downy feathers.

I was not about to let the opportunity of this Coucal’s visit pass me by without zooming in on every detail. Look at that fine, white-flecked detail in his feathers.

And when he turned again, I took the opportunity to capture a closeup of his face.

When he scratched, I took a photo …

… then with one last look my way, he flew to the ground and disappeared from sight. ❤

I have a busy couple of days ahead now. My mother-in-law turns 91 today and we have all the family visiting for a barbeque tomorrow. I have salads to prepare, etc., but I will return on Sunday to catch up with everyone.

Enjoy your weekend! ❤

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Published by Joanne

22 thoughts on “A Rare Visit From A Pheasant Coucal”

  4. Great photos, Jo! That’s a magnificent bird. I love his almost red eyes. Thanks for sharing a link to the birds’ calls too.

    Best wishes to your MIL!

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  6. Oh, he is a dandy! How wonderful he stayed so you could take these beautiful pictures :). Happy Birthday to your MIL, I hope you all have a great time together.

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  9. Great pictures of your Pheasant Coucal, Joanne! Those white flecks in his feathers are quite striking. And what unusual red eyes. Thanks for including the recording, which sounds mysterious and tropical to me. Hope your mother-in-law enjoys a happy birthday barbeque!

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  10. What a beautiful bird you captured with your camera, Joanne. Great shots. I listened to the call and it reminds me of the bloop-bloop sounds that water can make. So interesting!

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    1. Thank you, Robin. 🙂
      I always associate Coucals with water, probably because of their nickname, Storm Birds, and because they arrive as our weather becomes wet and humid. But I believe you are right about the sound. I’ll pay particular attention, with what you said in mind, next time I hear his call. 🙂

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