Black-throated Coucal

Overview

The black-throated coucal is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae and is the largest species in the genus Centropus. This bird is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. A subspecies found in northern and central Zaire is sometimes split as Neumann's coucal (Centropus neumanni).

Identification

• Length of 46 to 58 cm (18 to 23 in), making it the largest in its genus.
• Adult plumage features a head, neck, upper breast and mantle that are black and glossed with violet-blue, with rufous-chestnut wings.
• The back is black barred with white, and the tail is black with paler feather bases.
• The lower breast and belly are white, while the thighs, flanks and undertail-coverts have a rufous tinge.

Habitat

Native to western Africa, this species is found in dense second growth along forest edges and grassy swamps. Its typical habitats include the edges of secondary forest, clearings, undergrowth, rough grassland, marsh edges, savannah, and strips of gallery forest beside rivers. It is not usually found above 1,000 m (3,300 ft).

Diet

This bird feeds on or near the ground, consuming insects, spiders and small frogs. It is a skulking bird that is reluctant to emerge from the undergrowth.

Did you know?

The nest is a ball of dried grasses and leaves lined with green leaves, approximately 30 cm (12 in) in diameter, built close to the ground in a bush or tussock of grass.