Celia Browne asked about a storm-bird in Kununurra.
I just heard the interview on Macka also, and was wondering. Listening to
Macka over several years, different people in different places around
Australia use the term for different birds. I have heard it used for Least
Frigatebird, Fork-tailed Swift, White-throated Needletail, Dollarbird,
Common Koel, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo, etc.
The caller mentioned that the 'storm birds' are usually along the river,
and arrive in the first week of October. I suspect that the listener was
referring to the Koel. Its call is so distinctive and known by everyone in
the area.
In the past when I have been in Kununurra, I have seen Dollarbird in late
September. Brush Cuckoos can be found all year around in Kununurra,
although they call a lot more during the wet season (in January 1995 they
were calling 24 hours a day). Fork-tailed Swifts occur in the Kimberley
often but they are not always easy to find and they certainly don't call in
the manner described by the listener.
Frank
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