Submission No. 517 Long-tailed Koel Eudynamys taitensis; Norfolk Island 6^th January 2007

This case concerns the sighting of a bird considered to be a Long-tailed Koel E. taitensis close to the botanical gardens on Norfolk Island on the 6^th January 2007. Although the bird was only in view for approximately 30 seconds the observer was 100% confident of the identification.

The bird was described as similar in size to Australia Koel with a longer tail and diagnostic vertical streaking below.

Given the locality, time of year and the fact that the diagnostic features were noted, most members (5 out of 8) voted in favour of acceptance. Those that voted against acceptance agreed that it is highly likely that this bird was a Long-tailed Koel but felt that the description was too brief to warrant acceptance for a rarity of this magnitude.

There are a few accepted records and many unsubstantiated sightings of Long-tailed Koel from Norfolk Island and as pointed out by the observer no records of Australian Koel so this sighting is indeed highly likely to involve a Long-tailed Koel as claimed.

Verdict: Not Accepted

Selected Bibliography:

· Coates, B.J. 1985. The Birds of Papua New Guinea, Vol. 1, Non-Passerines, Dove, Alderley, Queensland.

· del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. & Sargatal, J. (eds.) 1997. Handbook to the Birds of the World. Vol. 4. Sandgrouse to Cuckoos. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.

· Higgins, P.J. (Ed.) 1999. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds Vol. 4, Parrots to Dollarbird, Oxford, Melbourne.

· Payne, R.B. 2005. The Cuckoos. Bird Families of the World. OUP, Oxford.

Tony Palliser

Chairman, Birds Australia Rarities Committee