The pheasant coucal is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is found in Australia, Timor and New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. It has adapted well to canefields in northern Australia. The pheasant coucal is unusual among Australian cuckoos in that it incubates and raises its own young instead of laying its eggs in the nest of another species.
Region
Australasia (Australia, New Guinea, Timor)
Typical Environment
Occurs across northern and eastern Australia, southern New Guinea, and Timor, favoring dense ground cover and shrubby edges. It thrives in tropical and subtropical lowlands, mangroves, thickets, and forest margins. The species readily adapts to human-modified habitats such as sugarcane fields, overgrown pastures, and road verges with tall grasses. It typically keeps close to cover and forages on or near the ground. Nesting is in dense vegetation, often near wetlands or drainage lines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large coucal is one of the few cuckoos that builds its own nest and raises its chicks rather than parasitizing other birds. It often runs through tall grass with its long tail held cocked, giving a pheasant-like impression. The booming, descending call carries far and is especially conspicuous in the wet season. Plumage changes seasonally, from darker, glossier tones in breeding to more streaked and barred in non-breeding.
In Cape York, Queensland
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and heavy flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs holding year-round territories. Builds a large, domed nest concealed in dense vegetation and both parents tend the young, with the male often doing much of the incubation and feeding. Courtship involves duet-like calling and mutual preening within cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Deep, resonant, descending series of 'coop-coop-coop' notes that carry over long distances. Calls are most frequent at dawn and dusk and intensify during the breeding season.
