Senegal Coucal

Senegal Coucal
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Cuculiformes
Family:	Cuculidae
Genus:	Centropus
Species:	C. senegalensis
Binomial name
Centropus senegalensis (Linnaeus, 1766)

The Senegal Coucal, Centropus senegalensis, is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes, which also includes the roadrunners, the anis, and the Hoatzin.

It is a widespread species through Africa, except the northwest and into south Arabia. The Senegal Coucal is a bird of grassy habitats with trees, such as bush and savannah. It nests off the ground in vegetation, and the typical clutch is 2–4 eggs laid in a large nest built from stalks and leaves.

This is a medium-sized species at 39 cm (15 in). Its upperparts, bill, legs and long tail are black, the wings are chestnut, and the underparts are white. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and barred above.

The Senegal Coucal takes a wide range of insects, caterpillars and small vertebrates. It occasionally eats other food items.

This is an abundant species, which advertises its presence with a loud ook-ook-ook call.

References

• BirdLife International (2004). Centropus senegalensis. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 9 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern