FAN-TAILED CUCKOO

The Fan-tailed Cuckoo is found in Australia and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.In Australia Fan-tailed Cuckoos are found in a range of habitats, including woodlands, open forests, and heathlands. They are often seen in both natural and urban areas.

Fan-tailed Cuckoos are slender, medium-sized birds. They are known for their subtle plumage, which is brown on top and lighter on the underside. They have a distinctive fan-shaped tail, which is particularly noticeable during flight.

Fan-tailed Cuckoos are migratory birds and are known for their seasonal movements. They are primarily found in Australia during the spring and summer months, from September to March, which is their breeding season.

These cuckoos are insectivorous, primarily feeding on insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers. They are known to forage in trees and shrubs for their prey.

Like many other cuckoo species, Fan-tailed Cuckoos are brood parasites. This means they do not build their own nests but instead lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species. The host birds raise the Fan-tailed Cuckoo chicks, often unaware that they are not their own. They typically lay their eggs in the nests of various species, including thornbills, fairy-wrens, and other small passerine birds. The host birds may incubate the Fan-tailed Cuckoo eggs and raise the chicks alongside their own offspring.

The call of the Fan-tailed Cuckoo is a distinctive and melodious “pee-poo” or “whee-poo” sound. This call is commonly heard during the breeding season and is used by males to establish territories and attract females.