GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO. 



203 



from the anterior bend eight inches ; the fourth primary 

 the longest in the wing. 



Considerable differences are observed in the plumage of 

 this species, depending upon age. Mr. Gould says the 

 plumage of middle age differs from that of the adult in 

 having the head and crest of a much darker colour, and 

 the whole of the upper surface more inclining to reddish 

 brown with slight reflections of green ; the primaries are 

 rufous, tinged with greenish brown towards the points, 

 which are pure white ; the throat and chest are light 

 reddish brown ; the under surface as in the adult male. 



The vignette below is a representation of the breast-bone 

 and the foot of our Common Cuckoo. 



