Centropus ateralbus
The White-necked Coucal (Centropus ateralbus) is a distinctive medium-sized cuckoo endemic to the island of New Guinea. Measuring approximately 45-50 cm (17.5-20 inches) in length and weighing around 200-300 grams, its most striking feature is its clean white head, neck, and upper breast, which starkly contrasts with its glossy black body, wings, and long tail. This bicolored plumage, coupled with bright red eyes, serves as an unmistakable field mark for identification within its range. Taxon...
This species primarily inhabits lowland forests, forest edges, clearings, and areas of secondary growth, often found in dense understory vegetation near water. It is typically found from sea level up to elevations of about 1000-1200 meters.
Its diet mainly consists of large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets, as well as spiders, small reptiles, frogs, and occasionally bird eggs or nestlings. It forages primarily on the ground or in low vegetation by gleaning and searching.
The White-necked Coucal is a generally shy and secretive bird, active during daylight hours, often skulking through dense undergrowth rather than flying long distances. It forages primarily on the ground or in low vegetation, using its strong legs and feet to move through tangled thickets. While ...
The White-necked Coucal is endemic to the island of New Guinea, where it is widely distributed across the lowlands and foothills of both the Indonesian western half (West Papua and Papua provinces) and Papua New Guinea. Its range extends throughout the mainland and includes some adjacent smaller ...
Least Concern
- The White-necked Coucal is one of the few cuckoo species that is NOT a brood parasite, meaning it builds its own nest and raises its own young. - It is endemic to the island of New Guinea, making it a unique regional specialty for birdwatchers. - Its striking white head and neck contrasting wit...