Bird · GBIF taxon 5231974
Philippine Coucal
Centropus viridisAlso known as Philippine Crow-Pheasant
Philippine coucals are striking, long-tailed cuckoos easily recognized by their glossy black bodies, contrasting chestnut-brown wings, and bright red eyes. They spend most of their time skulking through tall grasses, tangled scrub, and agricultural edges, preferring to hop and climb through vegetation rather than fly. Their deep, resonant, bubbling calls are a characteristic sound of the Philippine countryside, especially after rain.
EndemicVocalGrassland-Dweller
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasshoppers
- Caterpillars
- Small lizards
Predators
- Raptors
- Large snakes
- Feral cats
ThreatsHabitat clearance and pesticide use in agricultural areas
HabitatsGrasslands, agricultural fields, scrublands, and forest edges
Life span6 to 8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCuculidae
- SpeciesCentropus viridis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe from a distance; may bite or scratch if cornered or handled.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Locate these birds by tracking their deep, hollow, bubbling vocalizations in dense brush.
- Observe Edge Habitats: Scan the borders of agricultural fields and tall grass early in the morning.
Close Relative (c) Rejoice Gassah, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative Close Relative
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.