The rufous coucal is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is found in Luzon and proximate islands in the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss. Along with the Philippine coucal, Black-faced coucal and the critically endangered Black-hooded coucal, it is one of the 4 endemic coucals in Philippines.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippines, primarily on Luzon and proximate satellite islands. It inhabits tropical moist lowland forests, including secondary growth and dense edge thickets. The species favors tangled understory, bamboo clumps, and scrubby forest margins where it can move quietly on or near the ground. It generally avoids open areas and heavily degraded habitats, persisting where cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Rufous Coucal is a secretive, ground-foraging cuckoo that prefers dense thickets and forest tangles. Unlike many cuckoos, coucals build their own nests and raise their young. Its rich rufous plumage provides excellent camouflage in leaf litter. Ongoing deforestation in Luzon and nearby islands threatens its remaining habitat.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs within dense understory. Builds a domed or bulky nest of leaves and stems hidden in thick vegetation. Territorial during the breeding season and often skulks rather than flies when disturbed.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives low, resonant 'oop-oop' notes and mournful, rising series that carry through forest understory. Also emits harsh croaks and clucks when alarmed.
Plumage
Uniformly rich rufous to chestnut plumage with a slightly darker, often blackish-tinged tail; feathers appear smooth and unbarred overall.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. Also takes small vertebrates including lizards, frogs, and occasionally small rodents or nestlings. May supplement diet with snails and other invertebrates, and rarely with fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground and in low shrubs within dense forest, thickets, and bamboo. Often hunts along shaded forest edges and tangles where cover is ample.
