Photographic evidence of an adult Long-tailed Cuckoo Urodynamys taitensis visiting the nest of a Norfolk Island Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis xanthoprocta

Abstract

A remote motion-triggered camera captured images of an adult Long-tailed Cuckoo Urodynamys taitensis visiting and possibly depredating a Norfolk Island Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis xanthoproct a nest in late December 2018. This is the first documented instance of a Long-tailed Cuckoo visiting the nest of a Pachycephala species, and is a rare occurrence of this Cuckoo on Norfolk Island at this time of year. A preliminary comparison of the eggs of the Cuckoo and the Whistler indicates the Whistler as a potential brood-host for this Cuckoo on Norfolk Island.