Centropus sinensis bubutus

(Horsfield, 1821)

Vernacular names
English : Greater coucal
French : Grand coucal

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Cuculiformes
Family : Cuculidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known

Identification
Adults can grow to a total length of 56 cm for a weight of 380 g, female being bigger than males. Long tail with broad black feathers showing a metallic blue tinge. Rest of plumage black except for brown wings and back. Iridescence on neck.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in Greater Sundas and south-west Philippines. Species found from India to south China, south to Indonesia and Philippines. It lives in secondary forests, woodlands, grasslands, gardens, cities, to 2100 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a huge range and remains common in most of it. It might be declining on some islands but remains very adaptable.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Jurong Bird Park (Singapore)

 

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