Description
50 to 70 cm (20 to 28 in) in length, the Pheasant Coucal is a large heavy-set bird adapted for living on the ground, reminiscent of a pheasant in shape. Birds in breeding plumage have black heads, necks, breasts and bellies, barred chestnut wings and long black, brown and cream barred tails. Outside the breeding season, their black head and underparts moult to a white-streaked chestnut colour.
The Pheasant Coucal's summer voice is a low descending 'boop boop boop'. Its winter voice is a sharp hissing.
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