Pied Coucal
NamePied Coucal
Common NamePied Coucal
Scientific NameCentropus ateralbus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)45
Length (cm)44
Weight (g)225
Plumage DetailsAdults display a glossy black body, wings, and tail. The head, neck, and upper breast are a contrasting creamy white to buffy white. It has distinctive red eyes and a stout, dark bill.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of a series of deep, resonant 'hoo-hoo-hoo' calls that often accelerate and descend in pitch.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Bismarck Archipelago, specifically found on the islands of New Britain and New Ireland in Papua New Guinea.
Identifying Featuresstriking black and white plumage, creamy white head and neck contrasting with black body, red eyes, dark, stout bill, terrestrial habits
Description
The Pied Coucal is a striking medium-sized cuckoo known for its contrasting black and white plumage. It is a largely terrestrial bird, often found skulking in dense undergrowth and forest edges, rather than flying long distances.
