Photo: Frank Vassen / CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Malagasy Coucal
Centropus toulou
Malagasy Coucal (Centropus toulou) — Cuckoos & Turacos of Africa.
The Malagasy Coucal (Centropus toulou) is a member of the Cuculidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 166 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Cuculiformes
- Family Cuculidae Cuckoos
- Genus Centropus
- Species toulou
Quick facts
- Weight
- 166 g
- Diet
- Omnivores
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Malagasy Coucal is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Behaviour
A bird of dense forest, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Malagasy Coucal is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Malagasy Coucal (Centropus toulou) is a species of bird in the Cuculidae family, part of the order Cuculiformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF Aldabra group (sw Seychelles) and Madagascar.
It is a medium-sized bird. Adults weighs around 166 g, with a wing length of about 15.5 cm and a tail of around 24.6 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 591,000 km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Malagasy Coucal?
The Malagasy Coucal is a medium-sized bird that weighs around 166 g.
Where does the Malagasy Coucal live?
The Malagasy Coucal is found across Africa with a range covering AF Aldabra group (sw Seychelles) and Madagascar, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Malagasy Coucal belong to?
The Malagasy Coucal (Centropus toulou) belongs to the Cuculidae family, in the order Cuculiformes.
What does the Malagasy Coucal eat?
The Malagasy Coucal is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Does the Malagasy Coucal migrate?
The Malagasy Coucal is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Malagasy Coucal endangered?
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
What sound does the Malagasy Coucal make?
1 real field recording of the Malagasy Coucal — including its duet — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Malagasy Coucal's range?
The Malagasy Coucal has a mapped global range of about 591,000 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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