The Centropus steeril (scientific name) or black-hooded coucal is found only in the tropical, moist forests of Mindora, the Philippines. With a height of 18.8 inches, this bird has a glossy black head which resembles a hood. The rest of the body has brownish-black plumage, while the tail is greenish-black. Its diet consists largely of insects, small invertebrates like lizards, snakes and frogs, and maybe even mammals. An average clutch has 2-3 eggs incubated for 2 weeks. A unique feature of this bird and its family is the sex-role reversal. The smaller male generally undertakes parental duties. Due to the loss of primary forests in the region, its IUCN listing is CRITICALLY ENDANGERED.
Black-hooded Coucal
