Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols










ID tip
The blue-headed coucal is a medium-sized species growing to 45 to 52 cm (18 to 20 in) in length. The sexes are similar, the adult having the head, sides of neck and back black, glossed with blue, the lower back and rump black, the wings predominantly deep chestnut and the tail black, glossed with green or bronze. The underparts are white or pale buff. The eyes are dark red, the beak black and the legs and feet greyish-black.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Blue-headed Coucal
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is July, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Blue-headed Coucal
The map shades 20 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
About the Blue-headed Coucal
The blue-headed coucal is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is native to tropical central Africa where its typical habitat is swamps, river banks, forest edges and generally wet locations. It is a common bird with a wide range, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Andaman CoucalCentropus andamanensisIt is a large coucal, with males being around 380–400 mm (12.6-15.7 inches) and females somewhat larger at 400–420 mm (15.7-16.5 inches) in length.
Side by side: Andaman Coucal vs Blue-headed Coucal · Blue-headed Coucal vs Malagasy Coucal · Blue-headed Coucal vs Coppery-tailed Coucal
Learn the Blue-headed Coucal in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.