The Sunda coucal, also known as the Javanese lathe, is a cuckoo species in the family Cuculidae that is endemic to Java, Indonesia. It inhabits mangroves, freshwater swamp forests and grasslands near brackish water. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1994, as the small population is threatened by habitat destruction and trapping. It feeds on grasshoppers, ground beetles, moths, geckos, snakes and frogs; it was also observed while picking rice seeds in a paddy field.
Region
Java (Indonesia)
Typical Environment
This species is confined to lowland coastal and near-coastal areas of Java, especially along the island’s northern plains. It favors mangrove forests, freshwater swamp forests, reedbeds, marshy grasslands, and rice paddies near brackish water. It also occurs in overgrown canals, scrubby thickets, and edges of plantations adjacent to wetlands. The bird avoids dense interior forest and is closely tied to wet, tangled vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Unlike most cuckoos, coucals build their own nests and raise their young rather than practicing brood parasitism. The Sunda coucal is highly secretive, slipping through dense reeds and mangroves where it is more often heard than seen. It is threatened by the loss of coastal wetlands on Java and by trapping. Conservation of mangroves and freshwater swamps is critical to its survival.
Temperament
solitary and skulking
Flight Pattern
short, labored wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs moving through dense reeds and scrub. Pairs maintain territories and build bulky dome-like nests of grasses and leaves concealed in thick vegetation. They are monogamous for the season and both sexes help with incubation and feeding. Breeding generally coincides with wetter months when prey is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Deep, resonant hooping notes delivered in a slow, repetitive series, often at dawn and dusk. Pairs may duet with alternating booming calls that carry over wetlands.
