Senegal coucal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Senegal coucal |
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| C. s. senegalensis, Gambia | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Centropus
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| Species: |
senegalensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Cuculus senegalensis (protonym) |
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The Senegal coucal (Centropus senegalensis) is a type of bird that belongs to the cuckoo family. This family also includes cool birds like roadrunners and anis. Senegal coucals are medium-sized birds. You can find them in open woodlands and savannah areas across central and southern Africa.
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About the Senegal Coucal
What Does It Look Like?
The Senegal coucal is about 39 centimeters (about 15 inches) long. It has a black head, neck, and back. Its bill, legs, and long tail are also black. The bird's eyes are a bright red color. Its wings are a pretty chestnut brown. The belly and chest are a creamy white color. There are some dark stripes on its sides.
Male and female Senegal coucals look very similar. Young birds, called juveniles, are a bit different. They are browner and have more stripes on their upper parts. Their undersides are buff or cinnamon colored with stripes and streaks.
Where Do They Live?
Senegal coucals live in many parts of central and southern Africa. Their home range stretches from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and Kenya in the east. You can also find them south into Angola and Congo. There is another group of these birds in southern Africa. This group lives mainly in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and northern Botswana. These birds prefer grassy areas that have trees and bushes, like savannah.
What Do They Eat and How Do They Live?
The Senegal coucal eats many different things. Its diet includes a wide variety of insects. It also eats caterpillars and small vertebrates (animals with backbones). Sometimes, they might eat other types of food too.
Senegal coucals build their nests off the ground. They usually choose low plants or bushes. A typical nest is large and made from plant stalks and leaves. Female coucals usually lay two to four eggs in their nest.
What About Their Call?
You can often hear the Senegal coucal before you see it. They make a loud ook-ook-ook sound. This call helps them let others know they are around.
Are They in Danger?
The Senegal coucal is a very common bird. It lives in a very large area. Experts have not found any major threats to this species. Because of this, the International Union for Conservation of Nature says it is a species of "least concern". This means they are not currently in danger of disappearing.
Images for kids
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A Senegal coucal in Gambia.
