Channel-billed Cuckoo

Scythrops novaehollandiae

Least ConcernUncommonFruitForestLarge · 684 g

About the Channel-billed Cuckoo

The channel-billed cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is monotypic within the genus Scythrops. The species is the largest brood parasite in the world, and the largest cuckoo.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The world's largest cuckoo, the channel-billed cuckoo measures between 56–70 cm (22–28 in) long, with a 88–107 cm (35–42 in) wingspan, and weighing between 560–935 g (1.235–2.061 lb). 24 adults were found to have averaged 684 g (1.508 lb) in body mass. According to a manual on avian body masses, another species of cuckoo, the buff-headed coucal, may have a mean body mass some 11% higher than the channel-billed cuckoo. The bill is bi-coloured, with a grey base becoming straw-coloured at the tip.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Channel-billed Cuckoo sounds like

Recording: James Ray · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: James Ray · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular range

When to see it

Peak activity in October · a summer visitor species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Channel-billed Cuckoo for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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