Least Concern Birds

Burchell's Coucal

Centropus burchellii

Burchell's Coucal is an omnivorous bird in African savannas and open woodlands.

Scientific name	Centropus burchellii
Swahili name	Kukuu wa Burchell
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Size	Male: body length approximately 46-50 cm, weight about 150-200 grams; female: similar size, slightly smaller

See this species in the app

How to identify

Relatively large body size, plumage mainly glossy black; wings and tail dark brown with black markings; eyes red; bill strong and slightly curved; tail long, tail feathers prominently spread during flight

Habitat

Open woodland savanna, bushes, valleys, and open forest areas

Diet

Omnivorous, mainly feeding on insects, small invertebrates, and small vertebrates; also consumes fruits and seeds

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active during the day

Where it lives

Distributed in southern and eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; common in the Masai Mara region of Kenya

How to spot it

Look for it at dawn or dusk along bush edges or open woodland savanna, paying attention to its low flight and tail spreading behavior

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture the moment when the tail feathers are spread during flight; pay attention to lighting to highlight the plumage gloss and eye color

Threats

Habitat destruction and disturbance from human activities

Similar species

Similar to other species of the genus Centropus, such as the Black Coucal (Centropus grillii), distinguished by more glossy plumage and brighter red eye color

📖 how to spot the burchells coucal on safari