Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Centropus sinensis
Family: Cuckoos · Status: Common resident · Size: 48–52 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
A resident of the Indian subcontinent and southern China to Southeast Asia.
Adult has glossy black plumage with a contrasting chestnut back and wings, and broad black tail. Juvenile has duller overall plumage with pale streaking on body and barring on the wings and tail. Larger than Lesser Coucal, with blood-red eyes, uniform upperparts and underparts lacking pale streaks, and richer chestnut wings.
Secondary forests, forest edge, thickets, scrub near streams and swamps, mangroves, parks, and gardens.