Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernLesser Coucal at a glance
The Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) is a bird in the family Cuculidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku. Diet: insects and other small animals; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Centropus bengalensis |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Bubut alang-alang |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Observation records | Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku |
| Taxonomic group | Cuculiformes |
| GBIF records | 4,488 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insects and other small animals · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
In this guide (12)
What is the Lesser Coucal?
Lesser Coucal refers to Centropus bengalensis, in the genus Centropus, family Cuculidae, and order Cuculiformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Lesser Coucal?
The lesser coucal often uses dense low vegetation, including marsh edges; brief distant views can be confused with other coucals.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Lesser Coucal?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 4,488 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Lesser Coucal?
Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Lesser Coucal with Sahul Brush Cuckoo, Plaintive Cuckoo, White-headed Munia. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the Lesser Coucal
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | Centropus bengalensis |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Lesser Coucal
What is the scientific name of the Lesser Coucal?
The scientific name of the Lesser Coucal is Centropus bengalensis, in the family Cuculidae and the order Cuculiformes. In Indonesian it is called Bubut alang-alang.
What kind of animal is the Lesser Coucal?
The Lesser Coucal is a bird in the family Cuculidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insects and other small animals.
Where does the Lesser Coucal live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Lesser Coucal summarised in this guide mainly come from Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Lesser Coucal eat?
The Lesser Coucal is a insects and other small animals. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the Lesser Coucal reproduce?
The Lesser Coucal reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the Lesser Coucal nocturnal?
The cited source records the Lesser Coucal as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Lesser Coucal?
Scientific classification of the Lesser Coucal: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Cuculiformes, family Cuculidae, genus Centropus, species Centropus bengalensis.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Lesser Coucal endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Lesser Coucal is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Lesser Coucal is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/centropus-bengalensis/