The bay coucal is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.
Region
Sulawesi and nearby islands (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout much of Sulawesi and adjacent satellite islands such as Lembeh, Togian, Banggai, Buton, and Muna. It favors dense tangles at forest edges, secondary growth, overgrown plantations, and scrubby wetlands. Often found along rice fields, reedbeds, and thickets near water. It generally avoids the interior of tall primary forest, preferring rank undergrowth and ecotones.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bay coucal is a large, ground-favoring cuckoo that skulks through dense undergrowth rather than flying long distances. It builds a ball-shaped nest with a side entrance, hidden in thick vegetation. Like other coucals, both sexes tend the nest and young. Its deep, resonant hoots often reveal its presence before it is seen.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs that maintain territories year-round. Nests are bulky, ball-like structures hidden in dense vegetation, built by both sexes. Both parents incubate and feed the young, which leave the nest before they can fly well and continue to be fed in cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives deep, resonant hoots and booming notes in steady sequences, often carrying far at dawn and dusk. Also produces harsh clucks and grating scolds when alarmed.
Plumage
Glossy black head, neck, and underparts with rich bay-chestnut wings; long, graduated black tail with greenish gloss. Juveniles are browner with buffy barring. Overall impression is a dark bird with striking bay wings.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. Also takes spiders, snails, and small vertebrates including frogs, lizards, and nestling birds. Will raid nests for eggs and chicks when the opportunity arises.
Preferred Environment
Forages on or near the ground in dense undergrowth, reedbeds, and along the edges of wetlands and rice fields. Often works through thickets methodically, pouncing on prey from cover.
