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Black Coucal

Centropus grillii

Least Concern

Wingspan

32.0 cm

Weight

117.66666666666667 g

Family

Cuculidae

Order

Cuculiformes

About

Black Coucal (Centropus grillii) — 30–35 cm. Entirely glossy black with chestnut wings in breeding plumage; non-breeding birds streaked brown. Found in tall grass and reed beds across sub-Saharan Africa. Non-parasitic; notable for reverse sex roles — female larger, male incubates and raises young. Insectivore.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value	Imperial
Wingspan	32.0 cm	12.6 in
Weight	117.66666666666667 g	4.15 oz

Identification

Plumage

Brown Coucal: dark brown above; rufous-brown wings; buff below; long brown tail; orange-red eye; brownish plumage; African species

Habitat & Range

🌾 Grassland 🌿 Wetland

Conservation Status

Least Concern

IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: SP. Fledging: 18-20 days.

Clutch Size

3-6

Sound

Song

Melodic, flute-like phrase with musical quality; clear rich notes cascading pleasantly from Madagascar forest.

Taxonomy

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

Distribution

Black Coucal has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Present Not recorded