Immature © Tadeusz Rosinski
Adult © Nigel Voaden
Adult © Peter Steward
© Hugo Foxonet

Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Huge coucal with a hefty bill. The head often looks black, but can show a blue sheen. Found close to water in marshes, swamps, and wet scrub. Fairly skulking, though occasionally seen in the open. Massive size is obvious in flight. The call is a slow, deep version of the typical coucal descending and accelerating series of “boop” notes. Very similar to Coppery-tailed Coucal, but there is virtually no overlap in range, and Blue-headed is smaller, with a blue sheen to the head. Similar coloration to Senegal Coucal, but much larger.

POWERED BY MERLIN