Wildlifeof Sri Lanka
Lesser Coucal
Cuckoos & Malkohas
Photo: Stephen Matthews · CC0 1.0
Centropus bengalensis
Basic stats
Habitat
Marshy land with grass and tree cover
Range
India and Nepal to Southeast Asia, China and the Philippines
The lesser coucal is a cuckoo of marshy land with grass and tree cover, with a wide range that overlaps with several similar species. It is separated by its smaller size, less prominent bill, pale shaft streaks on the head and back feathers, a much longer claw on the hind toe and a distinct call. It is one of the few coucals with seasonal plumage differences, but the sexes cannot be told apart in the field (Wikipedia, general species account).
Six subspecies are recognised. The 2012 National Red List gives no status under this name.
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Lesser Coucal live in?
- Marshy land with grass and tree cover
- Where is the Lesser Coucal found?
- India and Nepal to Southeast Asia, China and the Philippines