Fan-tailed Cuckoo
A common sight around Perth in spring and summer, the Koordoomal will readily visit a garden in search of their favourite food... caterpillars!
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Bushland
Heathland
Noongar Names: Koordoomal
Scientific Name: Cacomantis flabelliformis
Conservation Status: Least concern
Threats: Cat predation and habitat loss
Will they visit?: They frequently visit home gardens with dense vegetation and located near large reserves
Natural Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the South West and Perth region
‘Fan-tailed Cuckoo (C)Jonathan Pridham 2014 birdlifephotography.org.au’
‘Fan-tailed Cuckoo (C)Terence Alexander 2017 birdlifephotography.org.au’
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Dense vegetation
Diet: Insects, particularly hairy caterpillars
Water: Bird baths
ReWild Benefit: Pest control
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Most cuckoo species lay their eggs in the nest of other birds such as thornbills and wrens whom may be nesting in your garden.
Novel Shelter
Not required.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Cuckoos feed on insects and prefer caterpillars. To attract hairy caterpillars to the garden plant wattles, eucalypts, and various groundcovers.
Providing sources of water
A shallow bird bath is a great spot to see these birds banter in the garden. Bird baths can be hazardous for small birds. Partially submerged rocks or logs can provide a safer avenue to exit the water incase they fall in.
Bird baths can be hung from prominent branches or in the forks of trees. This can provide a safe place for birds to drink away from cats and dogs.
ReWild Benefits
Small songbirds help to control pest species within the ecosystem. Visit BirdLife Australia to learn more about our native birds of prey. If you have seen one in your neighbourhood or around the home you can record your sighting on Birdata and help scientists monitor their population.
