Burchells coucal

Burchell’s coucal or Centropus burchellii and in Afrikaans the vleiloerie, is a medium-sized bird. In South Africa it is not easily confused with similar species as those all occur elsewhere in Africa. The bird is blue-black on its head and tail, the latter tipped white. Below it is creamy white and rusty brown on the wings.

It’s lifestyle is private. Often hiding in dense vegetation along riverbanks, marshes and coastal scrub, the coucal call is well-known. The bird announces its presence more often by singing than a sighting. The melodious call is often heard when rain is near, falling or had recently stopped. The notes, an extended series decreasing in pitch before rising a little near the end of the rendition are unmistakable, a presentation resembling flowing water.

Burchell’s coucal is found in South Africa all along the south and east coasts, as well as inland in the northeastern provinces. A carnivore, its diet comprises insects, frogs, reptiles, small mammals, snails and nestling birds of other species.

About four white eggs are laid in a big, untidy, grass nest. Hatching takes 14 to 18 days and both parents feed the young (Maclean, 1993; Wikipedia).