Centropus goliath
The Goliath Coucal (*Centropus goliath*) is an exceptionally large and imposing member of the cuckoo family, endemic to the Moluccas archipelago of Indonesia. Reaching an impressive length of 60-70 cm (24-28 inches) and weighing up to 1 kg (2.2 lbs), it is among the largest coucals and cuckoos in the world. Its plumage is uniformly glossy blue-black, often appearing black, with striking bright red eyes that stand out against its dark feathers. Its long tail and robust legs are distinctive fie...
This large coucal prefers dense lowland forests, secondary growth, and overgrown plantations, often found in swampy areas or near water bodies, typically from sea level up to 800 meters elevation.
Primarily carnivorous, their diet consists of large insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, as well as small vertebrates including lizards, frogs, snakes, rodents, and occasionally eggs and nestlings of other birds.
Goliath Coucals are largely secretive and terrestrial birds, spending most of their time foraging in dense undergrowth during the day and roosting concealed in thick vegetation at night. They are poor fliers, preferring to run, hop, and climb through tangled thickets with remarkable agility. Thei...
The Goliath Coucal is endemic to the Moluccas (Maluku Islands) in eastern Indonesia. Its breeding and resident range includes several key islands within the archipelago, notably Halmahera, Bacan, Morotai, Seram, Ambon, and Buru. It is primarily found in lowland areas, ranging from sea level up to...
Least Concern
- The Goliath Coucal is one of the largest cuckoos in the world, with some individuals reaching a length of 70 cm (28 inches). - Unlike many of its cuckoo relatives, the Goliath Coucal is not a brood parasite; it builds its own nest and raises its own young. - Despite being a large bird, it is qu...