White-browed Coucal look-alikes
Centropus superciliosus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the White-browed Coucal. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Senegal Coucal
Centropus senegalensis
Key differences
The Senegal Coucal lacks the prominent white supercilium of the White-browed Coucal. Its head is entirely black, and its underparts are rufous-buff rather than creamy white.
Blue-headed Coucal
Centropus monachus
Key differences
The Blue-headed Coucal has a glossy blue-black head and upperparts, lacking the white supercilium. Its underparts are rufous, and it is generally found in more forested habitats.
Burchell's Coucal
Centropus burchellii
Key differences
Often considered a subspecies or conspecific with White-browed Coucal by some authorities (Centropus superciliosus burchellii). If treated as a separate species, it is very similar but typically has a less distinct or absent white supercilium, and often more extensive rufous on the underparts. Field identification can be challenging where ranges overlap without clear supercilium.
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