Centropus anselli
The Gabon Coucal (*Centropus anselli*) is a striking medium-sized cuckoo native to the dense tropical forests of West-Central Africa. Measuring approximately 46-58 cm (18-23 inches) in length and weighing around 200-300 grams, it displays a distinctive plumage of glossy black on its head, neck, back, and tail, beautifully contrasted with rich chestnut-rufous wings. Its most prominent field marks include its vivid red eyes and a stout, dark bill. Taxonomically, it belongs to the Cuculidae fami...
Found primarily in dense, wet lowland tropical rainforests, swamp forests, and gallery forests, often near water bodies and with thick undergrowth.
Feeds mainly on large insects such as mantises, grasshoppers, and beetles, supplemented with spiders, millipedes, and centipedes. It also preys on small vertebrates including lizards, frogs, snakes, bird eggs, nestlings, and rodents, and occasionally consumes fruit.
This highly secretive bird is primarily diurnal, spending most of its time skulking through dense undergrowth, more often heard than seen. It forages predominantly on the ground, gleaning a variety of invertebrates and small vertebrates from leaf litter and low vegetation. Gabon Coucals typically...
The Gabon Coucal is a resident species found throughout West-Central Africa, with a continuous distribution across its preferred habitats. Its breeding range encompasses southern Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (including Bioko Island), Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, ...
Least Concern
- Unlike most cuckoos, the Gabon Coucal is not a brood parasite; it builds its own nest and raises its own young. - Its long, straight hind claw, characteristic of coucals, helps it grip vegetation and move agilely through dense undergrowth. - The deep, booming "hoo-hoo-hoo" call is one of the mo...