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Dear Russell,
I am unaware of any accepted records of Long-tailed
Koel from mainland Australia. There have been occasional unconfirmed
reports.
The species used to be an irregular passage migrant
to Lord Howe and a regular passage migrant and occasional breeding species on
Norfolk Island. It is on this basis that the species is included in the
Australian list. Recent evidence indicates the species has declined in New
Zealand and sightings on Norfolk have declined with no recent reports from
LHI.
Given the gale force easterly winds and the timing
with LTK northern migration there would have to be a good chance your friend was
lucky and found a genuine bird. It should also be remembered there are plenty of
juvenile Koels around with bright orange forehead,crown and nape to confuse
the issue. Given an excellent view LTK would be no problem to identify. A
detailed description would need to be supplied to Birds Australia Rarities
Commitee.
Hope you relocate it.
Cheers
Dion
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