Madagascar Coucal
NameMadagascar Coucal
Common NameMadagascar Coucal
Scientific NameCentropus toulou
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)42
Weight (g)175
Plumage DetailsThe head, neck, and upper breast are streaky brown and buff. The back and wings are a striking rufous-chestnut. The lower breast, belly, and long tail are blackish. It has distinctive red eyes.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a series of deep, bubbling 'coo-coo-coo' notes that often accelerate into a cascading sound.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Madagascar and several nearby islands in the western Indian Ocean, including Aldabra and the Comoros.
Identifying FeaturesRufous-chestnut wings, Streaky brown and buff head/neck, Blackish body and long tail, Prominent red eyes, Terrestrial foraging habits
Description
The Madagascar Coucal is a medium-sized, terrestrial cuckoo characterized by its rufous-chestnut wings and streaky head. It typically forages on the ground in dense vegetation, often heard before it is seen.
