Oriental Cuckoo

Cuculus optatus

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RarityFairly Common

Height33 cm

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Did You Know?

3 Facts

"Oriental Cuckoos can mimic the plumage of sparrowhawks, which may help them intimidate host birds when laying eggs."

Field Guide

Oriental Cuckoo

4 sections

The Oriental Cuckoo is a seasonal visitor to Australia, arriving from its northern breeding grounds in Asia. This medium-sized cuckoo has a sleek, falcon-like appearance. Despite its size, it's a secretive bird that's rarely seen, often revealing its presence only when darting between trees in Australia's northern forests during summer months.