Distribution Map
Pallid Cuckoo
Heteroscenes pallidus
NativeStatus
CommonRarity
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Species Description
The Pallid Cuckoo is one of Australia's most widespread native birds, found across diverse habitats, from dense forests to open plains. This medium-sized cuckoo is known for its sleek, pale grey plumage and hawk-like appearance in flight. Its persistent, ascending whistle call is a defining sound of the Australian bush, often heard before the bird is seen.
Fun Facts
Young Pallid Cuckoos can grow to over twice the size of their foster parents who struggle to keep them fed.
1. Bright yellow eye-ring contrasting with pale grey plumage.
2. Small white patch on the nape visible when the head turns.
3. Distinctive ascending whistle call that rises in pitch: "too-too-too-too-too-too-too-too."
The Pallid Cuckoo is a brood parasite, laying eggs in the nests of honeyeaters, woodswallows, and robins. The cuckoo chick hatches first and ejects the host's eggs or chicks from the nest, ensuring it receives all parental care from the foster parents. While some northern populations remain in Australia year-round, southern birds migrate northward during winter.
Pallid Cuckoos inhabit open woodlands, farmlands with scattered trees, mallee scrub, and forest edges throughout Australia. They are often seen perched conspicuously on exposed branches, fence posts, or power lines, especially during mornings when they are most vocal. Their diet primarily consists of caterpillars and insects, which they capture by scanning the ground before swooping down. Their presence becomes more noticeable during spring and summer when they breed.
Physical Attributes
Height
32 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds70%
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