250 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
24. Pheasant-coucal Centropus phasianinus Latham 
Ceri-tro-pus — Gk, centron , spur; Gk, pus ( pous ), podos, foot: pha-si-a- 
ni-nus — L., phasianinus, pheasant-like. 
Distribution. — Western Australia (as far south as the Ashburton 
River), northern Australia, and eastern Australia (as far south as Malla- 
coota Inlet). 
Notes. — Also called Coucal and Swamp Pheasant. Usually singly or 
in pairs, frequenting the margins of streams, lakes, and swamps, chiefly of 
the coastal districts. It is shy and wary, and when flushed, generally flies 
from tree to tree or drops like a stone to cover and passes swiftly through 
the tall reeds and grasses. The loud whooping call, resembling “Coop, 
coop,” or “Book, book,” repeated for long periods, is mostly uttered at 
daybreak and at dusk. Food : frogs, small reptiles, aquatic insects, also 
eggs and young of other birds. 
Nest. — A large, globular structure built in a tussock of tall grass, 
formed by drawing the tops of the grasses together, and lining the inside 
with dried leaves ; often a pathway is built leading up to the entrance. 
Sometimes nests are made in low bushes. 
Eggs . — Three to five, dull white, the surface being smooth and 
slightly lustrous. Breeding-season : November to March. 
