coucal

[ koo-kuhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of several Old World cuckoos of the genus Centropus, having harsh-textured plumage and a long, daggerlike hind claw.

coucal

/ ˈkuːkæl; -kəl /

any ground-living bird of the genus Centropus, of Africa, S Asia, and Australia, having long strong legs: family Cuculidae (cuckoos)

Origin of coucal¹

1805–15; < French, said to be equivalent to couc ( ou ) cuckoo + al ( ouette ) lark

Origin of coucal¹

C19: from French, perhaps from couc ( ou ) cuckoo + al ( ouette ) lark

The nest of the crow-pheasant or coucal is a massive structure, globular in shape, with the entrance at one side.

But for the fact that the brown wings do not match well with the rest of the plumage, I should call the coucal a handsome bird.

I have never actually observed it pick anything off a leaf, for the coucal is of a retiring disposition.

Unfortunately for the peace of mankind the coucal is not the only cuckoo that lifts up its voice in the night.

The coucal or crow-pheasant, for example, is divided up into three local races.

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