Urodynamis taitensis
The Long-tailed Koel, *Urodynamis taitensis*, is a striking, large cuckoo renowned for its extraordinary transoceanic migrations across the Pacific. Adults typically measure between 38-42 cm in length and weigh approximately 120-190 grams, displaying a dark olive-brown to blackish iridescent plumage on their upperparts, sharply contrasted by heavily streaked white and buff underparts. A distinctively long tail, often barred on the underside, and a subtle pale supercilium are key field marks f...
This species primarily utilizes native forests, woodlands, and dense shrublands for breeding in New Zealand, ranging from coastal lowlands to montane elevations. During its non-breeding season, it occupies a wider variety of tropical island habitats, including coastal forests, secondary growth, p...
Its diet primarily consists of large insects, such as caterpillars, stick insects, and cicadas, which it supplements extensively with a wide variety of ripe fruits and berries. It typically forages by gleaning from the foliage and branches of trees and shrubs.
The Long-tailed Koel is predominantly diurnal but is famously vocal during the night, especially during the breeding season, when its mournful calls can be heard echoing across the landscape. It is a highly arboreal bird, spending most of its time in the canopy, where it skillfully gleans insects...
The breeding range of the Long-tailed Koel is entirely confined to New Zealand, primarily encompassing both the North and South Islands, as well as the remote Chatham Islands. Here, it inhabits native forests, woodlands, and dense scrub, from sea level up to several hundred meters in elevation. F...
Least Concern
- The Long-tailed Koel undertakes one of the longest transoceanic migrations of any land bird, traveling thousands of kilometers across the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and tropical islands. - It is an obligate brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other, smaller bird species, pred...