Sahul Brush Cuckoo

1. Gray eyering (unlike the yellow eyering of the Fan-tailed Cuckoo).

2. Long, barred tail that often moves when perched.

3. Distinctive "brain-fever" call that accelerates dramatically as it progresses.

This species is a brood parasite, laying eggs in the nests of small passerines such as fairy-wrens and honeyeaters. The cuckoo chick hatches earlier than the host’s eggs and ejects them to monopolize parental care. Breeding occurs from September to January in northern regions and December to March in southern areas.

Sahul Brush Cuckoos inhabit rainforests, woodland edges, mangroves, and scrubby areas across northern and eastern Australia. They are often seen in the mid-story of trees, moving deliberately through foliage while hunting insects. Their calls are most noticeable at dawn and dusk during breeding season.