Pheasant Coucal
NamePheasant Coucal
Common NamePheasant Coucal
Scientific NameCentropus phasianinus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)60
Weight (g)300
Plumage DetailsIn non-breeding plumage (as pictured), the head and neck are dark brown, the back and wings are rufous-brown with prominent pale streaking, and the long tail is dark brown with lighter barring. The eyes are a distinctive reddish-brown. Breeding plumage is entirely glossy black.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a deep, booming 'coop-coop-coop' or 'oom-oom-oom' call, which often descends in pitch and accelerates towards the end. They also produce a harsh 'skirr' alarm call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea, and some islands in eastern Indonesia.
Identifying Featureslong, pheasant-like tail, terrestrial habits, streaked brown plumage (non-breeding), dark head and neck (non-breeding), reddish-brown eyes, deep booming call
Description
The Pheasant Coucal is a large, terrestrial cuckoo known for its long, pheasant-like tail. It typically forages on the ground in dense vegetation, often seen walking rather than flying. Its plumage varies seasonally, with a striking glossy black breeding plumage and a streaked brown non-breeding plumage.
