Centropus burchellii
The Burchell's Coucal, *Centropus burchellii*, is a striking member of the cuckoo family (Cuculidae) native to sub-Saharan Africa, distinguished by its non-brood parasitic nature. This medium-sized bird measures approximately 36-42 cm in length, with a long, broad tail contributing significantly to its overall size, and weighs around 170-250 grams. Its plumage is largely dark brown to black on the head, neck, and underparts, contrasting sharply with rich rufous-chestnut wings. A key field mar...
Found in a variety of dense vegetation types including grasslands, savannas, thickets, reedbeds, and suburban gardens, often near water sources. It prefers areas with good ground cover and low, tangled shrubs, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on a wide range of large insects (e.g., grasshoppers, caterpillars), spiders, small reptiles (lizards, snakes), amphibians, rodents, small birds, and bird eggs. Forages by stealthily moving through dense vegetation and on the ground.
Burchell's Coucals are largely terrestrial and crepuscular, often most active during the early morning and late afternoon, though they can be observed throughout the day. They forage by skulking through dense undergrowth, gleaning insects and small vertebrates from the ground and low vegetation. ...
The Burchell's Coucal is a widespread resident species found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Its range extends from southern Somalia and coastal Kenya in the east, south through Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, and into the eastern and southern parts of South...
Least Concern
- Known as the 'Rainbird' due to its distinctive bubbling call, which is often heard before or after rainfall. - Unlike most cuckoos, Burchell's Coucals are not brood parasites; they build their own nests and raise their own young. - Their unique 'water-bottle' call is created by air being pushed...