Distribution and age-specific plumage states of the long-tailed cuckoo (Eudynamys taitensis)

A comprehensive analysis of the long-tailed cuckoo (Eudynamys taitensis) reveals its vast migratory range, spanning 6,000 km from New Zealand to the tropical Pacific and 11,000 km east to west. The study identifies distinct plumage states—adult, immature, transitional, and a potential new juvenile plumage—using museum specimens. It also documents seasonal migration patterns within New Zealand, with nearly all birds returning in adult plumage by October. Additionally, the research highlights an uneven sex ratio in eastern Polynesia, favoring males (74%), while other regions show a more balanced distribution. This work confirms the species' extensive range and provides new insights into its age-specific migratory behavior.

Gill, B. J., & Hauber, M. E. (2013). Distribution and age-specific plumage states of the long-tailed cuckoo (Eudynamys taitensis). Notornis, 60(2), 158. https://doi.org/10.63172//383500rplqvj