The buff-headed coucal is a species of coucal. These are often placed in the cuckoo family (Cuculidae) but seem to warrant recognition as a distinct family. C. milo is a common endemic of the central islands of the Solomon Islands. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland and mountain forests, mostly in primary and secondary growth.
Region
Southwest Pacific
Typical Environment
Endemic to the central islands of the Solomon Islands, where it occupies primary and secondary lowland and hill forests. It frequents dense understory, forest edges, and overgrown clearings, often near streams or thickets. The species adapts well to regenerating forest and tangles, and may visit gardens and plantations adjacent to forest. It is largely terrestrial and often moves through vine tangles and bamboo rather than flying long distances.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Unlike many cuckoos, coucals are not brood parasites and build their own bulky, domed nests. The buff-headed coucal is a skulking forest bird whose deep, booming calls often carry at dawn and dusk. It plays an important role in controlling insects and small vertebrates in its habitat.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with weak, low flights
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as single birds or pairs that maintain territories year-round. They build large, domed nests low in dense vegetation and both sexes participate in nesting duties. Courtship involves mutual calling and slow chases through thickets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Deep, resonant booming notes delivered in a repetitive series, often ‘boop-boop-boop’ that carries far through forest. Also gives harsh croaks and grunts when alarmed. Vocal activity peaks at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Large coucal with a distinctive buff to pale rufous head and neck contrasting with a darker glossy body and long, graduated tail. The mantle and wings are rich chestnut, while the back and tail are blackish with a greenish-blue sheen. Feathers appear loose and slightly shaggy around the head and neck, enhancing the buff-headed look.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and snails. It also takes small vertebrates including lizards, frogs, and occasionally small rodents or nestlings. Prey is usually seized on the ground or from low foliage and swallowed whole or beaten before consumption.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, vine tangles, and along forest edges and clearings. Often hunts on or near the ground, working slowly through leaf litter and low shrubs. Will also use disturbed habitats like overgrown gardens and plantations adjacent to forest.
