Buff-headed Coucal

Overview

The buff-headed coucal (Centropus milo) is a large species of coucal, often classified within the cuckoo family but potentially warranting recognition as a distinct family. It is a common endemic bird of the central islands of the Solomon Islands and is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Large size, measuring 60 to 69 cm in length, making it possibly the largest of all cuckoos.
• Adults have striking plumage with a buff head, upper back, and undersides contrasting with glossy black wings, lower back, and tail.
• Features a heavy bill, short wings, red iris, and dark grey legs and bill.
• Juveniles differ significantly, displaying reddish-brown wings and tail with black barring, brown mottled plumage, a brown-grey iris, and a bicolored bill.

Habitat

This species is endemic to the central islands of the Solomon Islands. Its natural habitat consists of tropical moist lowland and mountain forests, predominantly in primary and secondary growth.

Did you know?

In local languages such as Touo, Roviana, and Marovo, the adult and juvenile are treated as different kinds of bird, each possessing its own distinct name.