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
- diet
- Insects, caterpillars, spiders, and small vertebrates
- family
- Cuculidae
- threats
- Habitat clearance and pesticide use in agricultural areas
- life Span
- 6 to 8 years
LC
Safe to observe from a distance; may bite or scratch if cornered or handled.
- 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.