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Lesser Coucal

Centropus bengalensis

Least Concern
Wingspan
30.9 cm
Weight
172.075 g
Family
Cuculidae
Order
Cuculiformes

About

Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) — 33–38 cm. Streaked brown above with a rufous wing panel; pale buff underparts; graduated tail. Widespread from India through Southeast Asia and China; inhabits grassland, scrub, and forest edges. Non-parasitic. Insectivore and small vertebrate predator. Smaller and more grass-dwelling than related species.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 30.9 cm 12.2 in
Weight 172.075 g 6.07 oz

Identification

Plumage

Black Coucal: all glossy black; red eye; shorter tail; females have rufous wash; strongly sexually dimorphic plumage

Habitat & Range

Conservation Status

Least Concern
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: DM.

Clutch Size

2-4

Sound

Song

Loud, raucous call with harsh nasal quality; piercing notes carrying far through dense Madagascar forest.

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Cuculiformes (Cuckoos)
Family Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
Genus Centropus
Species Centropus bengalensis

Distribution

Lesser Coucal has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Present Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lesser Coucal endangered?
The Lesser Coucal has a conservation status of Least Concern.
How does the Lesser Coucal nest?
Nest type: DM.
What does the Lesser Coucal sound like?
Loud, raucous call with harsh nasal quality; piercing notes carrying far through dense Madagascar forest.
How big is the Lesser Coucal?
The Lesser Coucal has a wingspan of 30.9 cm, weight of 172.075 g.
What order and family does the Lesser Coucal belong to?
The Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) belongs to the order Cuculiformes and the family Cuculidae.

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