PHEASANT CUCKOO. 
Centropus Phasianus, 
The Pheasant Cuckoo derives its 
popular and appropriate name from tire 
great length of its tail, which gives to 
the bird an outline bearing some re- 
semblance to that of the pheasant, a 
similitude which is further carried out 
by the bold markings of its plumage. 
This handsome bird is a native of New 
South Wales, where it is not uncom- 
mon, although rather a local bird, 
seldom wandering to any great dis- 
tance from the spot which it loves. 
It frequents low-lying and swampy 
lands, living almost entirely among the 
rank herbage of such localities, and 
keeping itself concealed among the 
brushes. When alarmed it hies to 
the nearest tree, alights on the lowest 
branches, rapidly makes its way through 
the boughs to 'the very summit, and 
then takes to wing. 
The nest of this bird is placed on 
the ground, shaded by a convenient 
tuft of grass. It is a large and rather 
clumsily constructed edifice ; having- 
two apertures, through one of which 
the hen, while sitting, thrusts her 
head, and through the other she -pokes 
her tail. The eggs are generally from 
three to five in number, and are more 
spherical than is generally the case 
among birds. Their colour is greyish- 
white, sometimes blotched with brown, 
and they are remarkable for the rough- 
ness of their shells. 
