Cuckoos come in numerous shapes and sizes from the tiny Bronze Cuckoos to the large Channel –billed and fitting nicely in the middle of this range is the common Brush Cuckoo. Resident around Mission Beach these birds undergo some seasonal fluctuation in numbers with more present in the winter as birds from the south migrate to the warmer local climate.
Common throughout the region Brush Cuckoos can live in rainforest or lighter forest types as long as their staple diet of caterpillar is available. More often heard than seen, their calls are various with the most often heard a sibilant downscale series of notes.
Good luck and good birding
Adrian Walker aka Professor Birdbrain
Adrian’s book – Birds of Mission Beach and environs is available through the Mission Beach Visitor Centre at $5.00 plus postage. To purchase call on 07 4068 7099 or email enquiry@missionbeachtourism.com
