Cuculiformes / Cuculidae / Centropus
Lesser Coucal
Centropus bengalensis · 小鸦鹃
Introduction
A species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae with a wide distribution range overlapping several similar species. It inhabits marshy land with grass and tree cover, often in lowlands. Distinguished by smaller size, less prominent bill, pale shaft streaks on head and back feathers, a long hind toe claw, and distinct vocalizations. It is one of the few coucals exhibiting seasonal plumage differences.
Description
Slightly smaller-sized with a shorter bill than related species. Possesses the longest hind claw within the genus. Overall plumage is blackish with a long tail and rufous wings. Exhibits two plumages: breeding plumage features a glossy head and upper back with dark feather shafts, while non-breeding plumage is duller with whitish feather shafts on the head and back. Wing coverts show pale shafts as whitish streaks on brown feathers. Central upper tail coverts are barred and very long. Iris is dark brown. Juveniles are browner with black spots and bars.
Identification
Key marks include a very long hind claw, pale shaft streaks on head and back feathers, and rufous wings. Distinct from the greater coucal by its darker brown iris rather than crimson red. Vocal cues include a series of low double 'whoot-woot' or 'kurook' notes that increase in tempo and descend in pitch.
Distribution & Habitat
Distributed from the Indian subcontinent (excluding Sri Lanka) east across Southeast Asia to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Moluccas. Six subspecies are recognized: C. b. bengalensis (India to Indochina), C. b. lignator (southeast China, Hainan, Taiwan), C. b. javanensis (Malay Peninsula to Philippines), C. b. philippinensis (Philippines), C. b. sarasinorum (Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands), and C. b. medius (Moluccas). Found mainly in lowlands, marshy areas, and grassy undergrowth adjoining forests.
Behavior & Ecology
Found singly or in pairs low in undergrowth. Not brood-parasitic. Nests from May to September, mainly after rains in June in India, building a dome of grass blades on a low tree. Clutch size varies: 3 eggs in India, 2 in Southeast Asia, and 4 in Taiwan. Both sexes incubate eggs and care for young.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Genus
- Centropus
Vocalizations
Subspecies (6)
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Centropus bengalensis bengalensis
India and Nepal to Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Indochina
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
