Roving questions on Channel-billed Cuckoos and Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo.

[Philip Veerman <>]

Hi Roy,

 

I think the answer is there no breeding records in Canberra for the Channel-billed Cuckoo but I caution with an analogy of saying that my text for the Koel in The GBS Report (- up to year 21 of the GBS) – included this:  “no breeding records – yet.” I wrote that out of an expectation that it would happen soon. So I suspect it will happen for the Channel-billed Cuckoo within a few years. Of course there is no logical reason to make the link.....

 

Yes the photo is of a Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo.

 

And no they do not regularly parasite Skylark and Australian Pipit nests. I don’t think they ever do.

 

Philip

 

From: Roy & Pastor Mijina McDowall [
Sent: Monday, 14 December 2015 9:33 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Roving questions on Channel-billed Cuckoos and Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo.

 

Hi everyone, I trust all is well.

 

Fascinating to read the posts on the Channel-billed Cuckoo, are there any breeding records in Canberra? Does their presence indicate some breeding is now occurring, even if not observed???

 

On Saturday I took a wander in Jerrabomberra Grasslands 'East'. A Wedge-tailed eagle lazily circling over Symonston, and some Australian Pipits and Skylarks. Consulting the photos at home, I was surprised to bump into a Bronze-Cuckoo in the mix, my best guess is a Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo? 

 

It leads me to the speculative question, do they regularly parasite Skylark and Australian Pipit nests?

 

Well that's it for me, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

 

Roy :-)