Many residents have reported seeing a strange looking bird wandering the streets of Palm Lake Ballina and balancing rather precariously on their fences.
I have identified them as a Pheasant Coucal and there appears to be a pair that have made the resort their home. These birds seem to spend a lot of time in our backyards and have been spotted snacking on little green frogs.
Keep an eye out in your own backyard as these birds are hilarious to watch. They have very long tail feathers which makes it rather awkward for them to navigate. They tend to scurry along the ground, as their attempts at flying are very clumsy. During the breeding season they call to each other using a deep booming call.
I have finally managed to get a photo of the Pheasant Coucal and have put together an information card below.
Julie Pallant
