White-browed Coucal
Centropus superciliosus
The White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus) is a uncommon cuckoo found in 22 countries, weighing about 148 g. The white-browed coucal or lark-heeled cuckoo, is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae.
About the White-browed Coucal
The white-browed coucal or lark-heeled cuckoo, is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa. It inhabits areas with thick cover afforded by rank undergrowth and scrub, including in suitable coastal regions. Burchell's coucal is sometimes considered a subspecies.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The white-browed coucal is a medium-sized species growing to 36 to 42 cm (14 to 17 in) in length. The sexes are similar, adults having a blackish crown and nape, a white supercilium, rufous-brown back, chestnut wings, blackish rump and black tail, glossed with green, with a white tip. The underparts are creamy-white, the eyes red, the beak black, and the legs and feet greyish-black or black. Juveniles have rufous streaking on the crown, a faint buff supercilium, barred upper parts and darker underparts.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Eritrea.
When to see it
The White-browed Coucal can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-browed Coucal?
- The white-browed coucal is a medium-sized species growing to 36 to 42 cm (14 to 17 in) in length. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-browed Coucal?
- The White-browed Coucal is a medium sized bird weighing about 148 g.
- Where can you see a White-browed Coucal?
- The White-browed Coucal occurs in 22 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique.
- What birds look similar to a White-browed Coucal?
- The White-browed Coucal is most easily confused with the Pheasant Coucal, the Lesser Coucal and the Senegal Coucal.
Learn the White-browed Coucal for real
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