250 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
24. Pheasant-coucal Centropus phasianinus Latham 
Cen'-lro-pus— Gk, ccntron, spur; Gk, pus (pous ), podos, foot: pha-si-a * 
nY-nus— L., phasiani?ius, pheasant-like. 
distribution. Western Australia (as far south as the Ashburton 
River), northern Australia, and eastern Australia (as far south as 
Mallacoota 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. 
