Philippine Coucal
Centropus viridis
A large, long-tailed bird of open or disturbed areas from the lowlands to middle elevations in the mountains. Entirely black except for rufous wings. A black-winged race from Mindoro occurs, as does an uncommon white form on Luzon. Forages for insects and other animal prey, on or close to the ground. Similar to Black-hooded Coucal, but has a black rather than brown belly and is found in more open habitats. Much larger than Lesser Coucal. Voice includes a slightly descending series of repeated “wok!” notes and a short, explosive “jek-wok-wok!”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Centropus viridis
- Authority
- (Scopoli, 1786)
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Genus
- Centropus
Range and habitat
Medium, sexes similar; races differ in color carpenteri and mindorensis are all black while viridis and majer are black with chestnut wings, and in size carpenteri and majer are larger than viridis and mindorensis. in viridis Ad whole body and tail black, glossed with green; wings dark chestnut on inner secondaries becoming chestnut in outer secondaries and primaries, all tipped with dark brown; underwing coverts black glassed with green. imm head dark brown with faint light shaft streaks; tail black glossed with green with chestnut bars at tip; wings chestnut barred with dark brown; underparts blackish brown mottled or barred with buff. ad bill and legs black; eye blood red. imm bill, upper mandible black, lower mottled grey black; eye brown; legs grey.<p>Male: L 420 (16,1/2"); W 162; T 233; B 29; t 38.<p>female: L 444 (17,1/2"); W 171; T 259; B 36; t 42.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Big, dark pigeon with a gray head, and bright yellow feet, bill, and eye ring. Plain in flight. Found in forest, plantations, and woodland. In most of its range, it is a montane species that is restricted to high and middle elevations. Often in small flocks, especially near fruiting trees. Common vocalization is a raspy “brrruuur” call, usually followed by several series of quick hoots. Separated from all other pigeons in its range by its bright yellow bare parts.
White-crowned Tapaculo
Scytalopus atratus
A standard Scytalopus tapaculo: plain blackish (darker than many other tapaculos) with browner flanks and rump. Distinctive white crown can be difficult to see. Acts like a mouse, scurrying around on or near the ground within montane forest. Very difficult to see. Occurs in the Andes from Venezuela to Peru, from around 900-1,800m. Far more often heard than seen. Listen for its rapid series of froglike notes.
Kea
Nestor notabilis
The world's only true alpine parrot, found only on the South Island of New Zealand. Large, with olive-green plumage. Note scarlet underwings visible in flight. Females are smaller than males with shorter bills. Juveniles have a yellow eye-ring and a paler crown. Gives a distinct loud “keee-aaa” call, mostly in flight. Very inquisitive toward people and their cars within the mountain ranges, at ski fields, at huts, and along mountain roads. Distinguished from New Zealand Kaka by blue-green flight feathers, larger size, and alpine habitat.
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