Senegal Coucal
Centropus senegalensis
Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis) — Cuckoos & Turacos of Africa.
Found across 6 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis) is a member of the Cuculidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 169 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 senegalensis
Quick facts
- Weight
- 169 g
- Diet
- Vertebrate hunters
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Senegal Coucal preys mainly on other vertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of semi-open scrub and shrubland, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Senegal Coucal is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis) is a species of bird in the Cuculidae family, part of the order Cuculiformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF widespread.
It is a medium-sized bird. Adults weighs around 169 g, with a wing length of about 16.6 cm and a tail of around 20.4 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
The species has a mapped global range of roughly 9.9 million km².
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Senegal Coucal?
The Senegal Coucal is a medium-sized bird that weighs around 169 g.
Where does the Senegal Coucal live?
The Senegal Coucal is found across Africa with a range covering AF widespread, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Senegal Coucal belong to?
The Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis) belongs to the Cuculidae family, in the order Cuculiformes.
What does the Senegal Coucal eat?
The Senegal Coucal preys mainly on other vertebrates.
Does the Senegal Coucal migrate?
The Senegal Coucal is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Senegal 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 Senegal Coucal make?
1 real field recording of the Senegal Coucal — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Senegal Coucal's range?
The Senegal Coucal has a mapped global range of about 9.9 million 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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