The goliath coucal is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is found in the northern Maluku Islands.
Region
Northern Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and hill forests, forest edges, and dense secondary growth. It favors thickets, bamboo, and tangles near clearings and along streams. The species often forages on or near the ground within dense vegetation and may also use overgrown gardens and plantations. It is typically local but can be fairly common where suitable understorey cover persists.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The goliath coucal is one of the largest coucals, a ground-favoring cuckoo that prefers dense undergrowth. Unlike many cuckoos, coucals are not brood parasites and build their own domed nests. It is shy and often detected by its deep, booming calls rather than seen. Its contrasting rufous wings and long black tail are key field marks in the northern Maluku Islands.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats followed by glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories in dense cover. Both sexes build a domed nest of leaves and grasses low in vegetation and share incubation and chick-rearing. Pairs communicate with deep duetting calls, especially at dawn.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Deep, resonant booming notes given in a slow series, often descending or accelerating. Calls carry far through forest understorey and are most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Glossy black head, neck, and underparts with a long, graduated black tail; rich rufous-chestnut wings create a strong contrast. Feathers are sleek with a slight purplish or greenish sheen on the dark areas.
Diet
Takes large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, as well as spiders and other arthropods. Also preys on small vertebrates including lizards, frogs, and occasionally small rodents or bird nestlings. Will supplement diet with berries and other soft fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground and in low shrubs within dense thickets, forest edges, and secondary growth. Often hunts along paths, clearings, and stream margins where cover is close by.
