Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
White-necked Coucal
Centropus ateralbus
White-necked Coucal (Centropus ateralbus) — Cuckoos & Turacos of Australia & Oceania.
The White-necked Coucal (Centropus ateralbus) is a member of the Cuculidae family found in Australia & Oceania. Adults weigh 339 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 ateralbus
Where it lives
New Ireland, Dyaul (=Djaul, south of western New Ireland), Umboi (west of New Britain), New Britain and Lolobau (north of eastern New Britain; eastern Bismarck Arch.)
Quick facts
- Weight
- 339 g
- Diet
- Invertebrate-eaters
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The White-necked Coucal is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Behaviour
A bird of dense forest, it uses a wide range of foraging strategies.
Migration
The White-necked Coucal is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The White-necked Coucal (Centropus ateralbus) is a member of the Cuculidae family, within the order Cuculiformes. It is found across Australia & Oceania. Its distribution covers AU New Ireland, Dyaul (=Djaul, s of w New Ireland), Umboi (w of New Britain), New Britain and Lolobau (n of e New Britain; e Bismarck Arch.).
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 339 g, with a wing length of about 21 cm and a tail of around 27.5 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 41,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the White-necked Coucal?
The White-necked Coucal is a large bird that weighs around 339 g.
Where does the White-necked Coucal live?
The White-necked Coucal is found across Australia & Oceania with a range covering AU New Ireland, Dyaul (=Djaul, s of w New Ireland), Umboi (w of New Britain), New Britain and Lolobau (n of e New Britain; e Bismarck Arch.), where it favours woodland, forest and well-treed country.
What family does the White-necked Coucal belong to?
The White-necked Coucal (Centropus ateralbus) belongs to the Cuculidae family, in the order Cuculiformes.
What does the White-necked Coucal eat?
The White-necked Coucal is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.
Does the White-necked Coucal migrate?
The White-necked Coucal is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the White-necked 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 White-necked Coucal make?
1 real field recording of the White-necked 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 White-necked Coucal's range?
The White-necked Coucal has a mapped global range of about 41,000 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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