Lesser Coucal
Centropus bengalensis
The Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) is a uncommon cuckoo found in 20 countries, weighing about 149 g. The lesser coucal is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae.
About the Lesser Coucal
The lesser coucal is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It has a wide distribution range that overlaps with several other similar species. The habitat in which it is found is often marshy land with grass and tree cover. It is distinguished by its smaller size, less prominent bill, pale shaft streaks on the feathers of the head and back. It has a much longer claw on its hind toe and a distinct call. It is also among the few coucals that show season plumage differences but like in other coucals, the sexes cannot be distinguished in the field.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This slightly smaller-sized and shorter-billed coucal has a very long hind claw, the longest within the genus. The overall plumage, as in many other coucals, is of a blackish bird with a long tail and rufous wings. They have two plumages, a breeding plumage in which the head and upper back are glossy with dark shafts to the feather and a duller non-breeding plumage in which the feather shafts on the head and back are whitish. The wing coverts also have pale shafts showing as whitish streaks on the brown feathers. The central upper tail coverts are barred and very long.
What the Lesser Coucal sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
The Lesser Coucal can be seen all year round, with peak activity in April. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Lesser Coucal?
- This slightly smaller-sized and shorter-billed coucal has a very long hind claw, the longest within the genus. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Lesser Coucal?
- The Lesser Coucal is a medium sized bird weighing about 149 g.
- Where can you see a Lesser Coucal?
- The Lesser Coucal occurs in 20 countries, including Taiwan, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
- What does a Lesser Coucal sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Lesser Coucal on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Lesser Coucal?
- The Lesser Coucal is most easily confused with the Pheasant Coucal, the Senegal Coucal and the Philippine Coucal.
- Is the Lesser Coucal endangered?
- The Lesser Coucal is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Lesser Coucal for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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