Black Coucal
NameBlack Coucal
Common NameBlack Coucal
Scientific NameCentropus grillii
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)45
Length (cm)32
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsAdult breeding males are entirely glossy black with prominent chestnut-rufous primary and secondary wing feathers. Females are similar but generally larger. Non-breeding plumage can be streaky brown with paler underparts.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a distinctive deep, bubbling 'doo-doo-doo' call, often descending in pitch and accelerating towards the end.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and South Africa, preferring areas with dense grassy or marshy vegetation.
Identifying Featuresglossy black body, chestnut-rufous wings, stout, slightly curved bill, often skulks in dense vegetation
Description
The Black Coucal is a medium-sized cuckoo species characterized by its glossy black body and striking chestnut-rufous wings. It is often found skulking in dense grasslands and marshy areas, where it forages for insects and small vertebrates.
