Birds I Love – The Burchell’s Coucal

Discovering the Burchell's Coucal

In the verdant landscapes of southeastern sub - Saharan Africa, a fascinating bird often eludes the human eye but makes its presence known through a distinctive call. Let's delve into the world of Burchell's Coucal (Centropus burchellii), a captivating species belonging to the cuckoo family (Cuculidae).

Distribution and Subspecies

The Burchell's Coucal is a resident of Southern Africa, gracing the regions from southeastern Botswana, Eswatini, and western Lesotho to southern Mozambique and all nine provinces of South Africa.

The species is further divided into two recognized subspecies: Centropus burchellii burchellii and Centropus burchellii fasciipygialis. The latter, found north of the Limpopo River, displays starker plumage colors, making it distinguishable from its southern counterpart.

Habitat and Habits

This elusive bird is a master of seclusion, often spotted solo or in pairs, navigating through the thickets of bushveld, marshes, riparian fringes, and coastal bushes. ''

Despite its shy disposition, the Burchell's Coucal is more frequently heard than seen, thanks to its distinct calls echoing through its habitat.

The bird's flight, though infrequent, is a sight to behold — ponderous and ending with a graceful glide to the next thicket. This flight pattern adds to the mystique surrounding this feathered resident of the African bush.

Nesting and Reproduction

From September to February, during the austral summer, Burchell's Coucal engages in nest - building, showcasing its prowess in creating large, matted nests in thorn trees.

The nests, usually 0.5 to 10 meters above the ground, house four white eggs that hatch after 14 to 18 days. Both parents share the responsibility of feeding the nestlings for an additional three weeks.

The male takes charge of nest construction, weaving together a scruffy collection of grass and leaves into a deep cup. Egg - laying season varies slightly across regions, but it generally spans from September to March.

Incubation, primarily undertaken by the male, lasts around 15 - 16 days. The chicks, remarkably capable climbers, leave the nest at 21 days old, relying on their parents for several more weeks.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Despite its charming appearance and gentle song, the Burchell's Coucal is a voracious predator. It preys on a variety of creatures, including insects, snails, amphibians, reptiles, and even birds up to the size of a laughing dove. Nest raids are not uncommon, as this species opportunistically feasts on the young nestlings and eggs of other birds.

Natural Distribution and Habitat Preferences

The Burchell's Coucal boasts a near - endemic status to Southern Africa, thriving in areas with dense vegetation and a minimum annual rainfall of 600mm. Its preferred habitats include thickets, reedbeds, coastal bushes, borders between woodland and grassland, and areas adjacent to vleis.

Cultural Significance

In the rich tapestry of African cultures, the Burchell's Coucal holds various names, such as Ubikhwe (Xhosa), uFukwe, umGugwane (Zulu), and Mohofa (South Sotho).

South African poet Douglas Livingstone beautifully captures the essence of the bird's call, referring to it as the "rainbird's liquid note". This distinctive sound, reminiscent of water being poured from a narrow - necked bottle, is believed to signal the onset of rain, as the bird bursts into song during periods of high humidity, before, during, and after rainfall.

Conclusion

The Burchell's Coucal, with its enigmatic habits and captivating presence, adds a touch of mystery to the biodiversity of Southern Africa. While it may be a challenge to spot in the wild, the echoes of its distinctive call and the ecological role it plays in its habitat make it a species well worth appreciating.

About The Author

Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.

Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.

To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography

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