Long-tailed Cuckoo

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The Long-tailed Cuckoo is a large, slender cuckoo with a distinctive very long tail, native to New Zealand and various Pacific islands. It is a remarkable migratory bird known for its impressive trans-oceanic journeys. Females lay eggs in the nests of other species, primarily warblers and flycatchers.

Where to spot

Breeds in New Zealand, then migrates to Pacific islands including Fiji, Samoa, and others. Can be found in various forested and wooded habitats, from dense native forests to coastal scrub.

How to spot

In New Zealand, listen for its distinctive, harsh 'skeeer' call or a series of shrill whistles. On Pacific islands, look for its distinctive long tail and slender build as it forages for insects, lizards, and eggs in the canopy.

When to spot

Best observed in New Zealand during their breeding season (late spring to summer), when they are most vocal. On Pacific islands, they are present during their non-breeding season (autumn to winter).

Where to spot

Breeds in New Zealand, then migrates to Pacific islands including Fiji, Samoa, and others. Can be found in various forested and wooded habitats, from dense native forests to coastal scrub.

How to spot

When to spot

Best observed in New Zealand during their breeding season (late spring to summer), when they are most vocal. On Pacific islands, they are present during their non-breeding season (autumn to winter).

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

The Long-tailed Cuckoo undertakes one of the longest migratory journeys of any land bird, flying thousands of kilometers from its breeding grounds in New Zealand to non-breeding grounds on Pacific islands each year.

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