Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall African forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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حالة الحفاظ
Near Threatened
Biak Coucal
Least Concern
African Cuckoo
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Biak Coucal
الريش
Black-hooded Coucal: black hood contrasting brown mantle; rufous-brown wings; pale buff below; long dark tail; red eye; bold hood
African Cuckoo
الريش
African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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Biak Coucal (Centropus chalybeus) — 42–48 cm. Glossy blue-black above; chestnut-rufous wings; pale buff underparts; heavy bill. Endemic to Biak Island, Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Inhabits lowland and foothill forest. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Listed as Vulnerable due to its very restricted island range and ongoing habitat degradation.
African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) — 32–35 cm. Very similar to Common Cuckoo; grey above; barred below; yellow bill base and orbital ring; long tail. Migratory intra-African breeder across sub-Saharan woodland and savanna. Brood parasite primarily targeting fork-tailed drongos. Insectivore.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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