The Andaman coucal or brown coucal is a species of non-parasitic cuckoo found in the Andamans, Coco and Table Islands. It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the greater coucal. It is found mainly in forested habitats and thickly covered gardens.
Region
Andaman Islands and adjacent Coco Islands in the Bay of Bengal
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and secondary forests, forest edges, scrub, thickets, mangroves, and densely vegetated gardens and plantations. It favors tangled undergrowth, bamboo, and hedgerows where it can move low and quietly. Often near wetlands and coastal mangrove belts but also ventures into village edges with thick cover. Rare in open habitats and avoids the high forest canopy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Andaman coucal is a non-parasitic cuckoo confined to the Andaman archipelago and nearby Coco and Table Islands. It skulks through dense undergrowth and mangroves, often revealed by its deep, resonant coop-coop calls. Unlike parasitic cuckoos, it builds its own domed nest and both sexes care for the young. It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the greater coucal but is darker and browner overall.
Illustration by Joseph Smit (1873)
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short, heavy flights with glides; prefers running and clambering through cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs that maintain territories year-round. Builds a domed nest of leaves and grasses low in dense vegetation. Clutch typically 2–4 eggs, with both parents incubating and feeding the young. Pairs communicate with duets and respond strongly to intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, resonant series of coop-coop or bou-woo notes, often accelerating and carrying far in humid air. Also gives bubbling chuckles and harsh scolds when alarmed.
