Blue-headed Coucal
NameBlue-headed Coucal
Common NameBlue-headed Coucal
Scientific NameCentropus monachus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)65
Length (cm)48
Weight (g)250
Plumage DetailsThe head, neck, and upper breast are glossy blue-black, contrasting sharply with the creamy white to buff lower breast and belly. The wings are a rich rufous-chestnut, and the long tail is blackish. It has distinctive red eyes and a stout black bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of deep, booming, hooting calls, often described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'coo-coo-coo' that can accelerate in tempo.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across a broad band of central Africa, from Cameroon east through the Democratic Republic of Congo to Uganda and western Kenya, extending south into Angola and Zambia.
Identifying FeaturesGlossy blue-black head and upper breast, Creamy white lower breast and belly, Rufous chestnut wings, Long black tail, Red eyes, Heavy black bill
Description
The Blue-headed Coucal is a medium-sized, terrestrial cuckoo characterized by its striking dark head and contrasting pale underparts. It typically forages on the ground or in dense vegetation, often seen skulking through thickets in its African habitat.
