Burly long-tailed cuckoo. Adult is coal-black with bright rufous wings and back. Juvenile is messier-looking, with extensive pale barring over much of the upper body. Very similar in appearance to Greater Coucal, but Short-toed is smaller and shorter-tailed. Prefers dense lowland and foothill rainforest but can also be found in scrubby or grassy areas with extensive cover. Gives sad muffled hoots.