Pacific Long-tailed Cuckoo
NamePacific Long-tailed Cuckoo
Common NamePacific Long-tailed Cuckoo
Scientific NameUrodynamis taitensis
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)49.5
Length (cm)40
Weight (g)145
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark brown with rufous-buff barring and spotting. Underparts are whitish with heavy dark brown streaking, particularly on the breast and flanks. The head features a dark brown crown, a prominent pale supercilium, and a dark eye-stripe. The long tail is dark brown with rufous-buff barring and white tips.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a loud, piercing, whistling call, often described as a series of 'pee-ooo' or 'tui-tui-tui' notes, which can be quite distinctive and far-carrying.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in New Zealand and migrates across the tropical Pacific to islands including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Micronesia for the non-breeding season.
Identifying FeaturesLong, graduated tail with distinct barring and white tips, Heavily barred and streaked brown and buff plumage, Prominent pale supercilium (stripe above the eye), Large size for a cuckoo, Loud, whistling call
Description
This large, migratory cuckoo is characterized by its long, graduated tail and heavily barred plumage. It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, primarily warblers and fantails, in its breeding grounds.
