Centropus chalybeus
The Biak Coucal (Centropus chalybeus) is a captivating medium-sized cuckoo endemic to the remote Biak Island in Indonesia. Measuring approximately 46 cm in length, including its notably long, graduated tail, this species boasts entirely black plumage that shimmers with a deep, oily blue-purple iridescence when caught in favorable light, giving it its 'chalybeus' (steel-colored) namesake. Distinctive field marks include its striking fiery red eyes, a heavy, slightly decurved black bill, and sh...
Inhabits lowland primary and secondary rainforests, dense overgrown clearings, and forest edges, typically below 200 meters elevation.
Omnivorous, primarily feeding on large insects (e.g., grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars), spiders, and small vertebrates including lizards, frogs, and occasionally bird eggs or nestlings, all predominantly foraged from the ground.
Primarily diurnal, the Biak Coucal spends most of its time on or near the ground, moving stealthily through dense undergrowth, often more heard than seen. Pairs are territorial, using their distinctive booming and hooting calls to announce their presence and defend boundaries. It is a monogamous ...
The Biak Coucal is strictly endemic to Biak Island, which is situated within Cenderawasih Bay, off the northern coast of Papua, Indonesia. This species is a permanent resident throughout its limited range, exhibiting no migratory movements or known vagrant records beyond its native island. Its di...
Near Threatened
- The species name "chalybeus" is Latin for "steel-colored," perfectly describing its iridescent, dark plumage. - Unlike many of its cuckoo relatives, the Biak Coucal is a responsible parent, building its own nest and raising its young, demonstrating altruistic parental care. - It is a true islan...