Explore the Heart of South Africa: Nature, Culture, Adventure
Burchell's Coucal
Afrikaans name: Gewone Vleiloerie
Burchell's Coucal
Photo © Steven Herbert
Centropus burchellii
The Burchell's Coucal is a biggish bird which is around 40 cm in length. They weigh about 180 grams. Apparently females are slightly larger than males.
It is found along the coast from Cape to Kosi Bay. It is also found in the eastern and north-eastern region of the country.
This species preys on insects, small mammals such as mice and smaller birds. It occasionally eats fruit.
Although the Burchell's Coucal is related to the cuckoo it doesn't exhibit cuckoo breeding behaviour. It makes a nest and raises its own chicks.
Some people call this bird the 'rain bird' as they associate its call with the onset of rain.
The Burchell's Coucal may be seen sunning itself in the early morning. It perches in a bush with its back to the sun and spreads its wings slightly.
Roberts Birds Names by Edition
| Edition | Roberts nr | Scientific name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 356 | Centropus superciliosus loandae |
| 2nd | 356 | Centropus superciliosus |
| 3rd | 356 | Centropus superciliosus |
| 4th | 356 | Centropus superciliosus |
| 5th | 391 | Centropus superciliosus |
| 6th | 391 | Centropus burchellii |
| 7th | 131 | Centropus burchellii |
| Edition | Roberts nr | English name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 356 | White-browed Coucal |
| 2nd | 356 | Burchell's Coucal |
| 3rd | 356 | White-browed Coucal |
| 4th | 356 | White-browed Coucal |
| 5th | 391 | Burchell’s Coucal |
| 6th | 391 | Burchell’s Coucal |
| 7th | 131 | Burchell’s Coucal |
| Edition | Roberts nr | Afrikaans name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 356 | Bruinkop-vleiloerie |
| 2nd | 356 | Vleiloerie |
| 3rd | 356 | Vleiloerie |
| 4th | 356 | Vleiloerie |
| 5th | 391 | Gewone Vleiloerie |
| 6th | 391 | Gewone Vleiloerie |
| 7th | 131 | Gewone Vleiloerie |
References and further reading
The Gardener - 2005/11 - Author: - Published: 2005 - Page: 92Wild About Johannesburg - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 1995 - Page: 46
Wildlife of the Cape Peninsula - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2001 - Page: 55
The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 145
The Doves, Parrots, Louries & Cuckoos of Southern Africa - Author: M.K. Rowan - Published: 1983 - Page: 384
The Birds of South Africa - Author: Hazel Stokes - Published: 1979 - Page: 24
Southern African Wildlife - Author: Reader s Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 167
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 240
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 341
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 337
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 232
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 253
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 245
Newman s Garden Birds - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1991 - Page: 40
Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 64
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 189
Newman s Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 214
Newman s Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 214
Meeting with Birds - Author: Tom Spence - Published: 1986 - Page: 55
Ian Sinclair s Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 162
Garden Birds in South Africa - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2017 - Page: 62
Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Published: 2004 - Page: 181
Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna - Author: Cliff & Suretha Dorse - Published: 2023 - Page: 154
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 104
Everyone s Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Published: 1987 - Page: 119
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 42
Common Birds of the North Coast - Author: Bing Comrie - Published: 2005 - Page: 40
Birds of the Kruger and other National Parks - Volume 2 - Author: National Parks Board - Published: 1974 - Page: 8
Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 68
Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 128
Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 144
Birds of Africa south of the Sahara - Author: Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan - Published: 2003 - Page: 232
Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 102
Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 84
A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 154
A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 110
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 110
This website features affiliate links, meaning we’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.
Copyright Steven Herbert Projects, 2013 - 2025. All rights reserved.