Senegal Coucal | Centropus senegalensis

Robert's Birding Information: Senegal Coucal

The Senegal Coucal is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Centropodidae bird family group which includes birds such as Coucals.

The description for the Senegal Coucal (Latin name Centropus senegalensis) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Centropus senegalensis can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of 390 and the detailed description of this bird is on page 218. You will find a picture of the Senegal Coucal on page 209.


There have been no changes in the common name between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition. There have been no changes in the Latin name for the Senegal Coucal between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition.

The Senegal Coucal has a height of 39 cms and weighs around 170 gms. The head is coloured blue, black while the bill is coloured black. The Centropus senegalensis has a white coloured throat, black legs and a blue, black coloured back. The eyes are red.


Head is blue, black.

Eyes are red.

Bill is black.

Legs are black.

Throat is white.

Back is blue, black.

Senegal Coucal Feeding Habits ...

This bird forages for food on the ground.

The Senegal Coucal is usually seen hunting for food within the tree foliage.

The Centropus senegalensis attacks smaller birds in flight and uses its sharp claws to break the bird's neck. Some of the birds are attacked in their nests while others are killed on the ground. The Senegal Coucal eats the eggs of its victim.

This bird is a well known scavenger and rarely kills its own prey.

The diet includes small mammals such as rabbits, field mice and other rodents. Rodents are usually taken from the ground and killed using the sharp claws. The Senegal Coucal uses its hard bill to tear up the flesh.


Senegal Coucal Breeding, Habitat and Nesting Habits ...



The Senegal Coucal is mainly found in light and densely wooded forests, where there are Mopane trees.



Seen in Flocks, Singles or Pairs Normally ...

The Senegal Coucal is mainly seen singly or in pairs in the wild.
