Black-hooded Coucal

The Black-hooded Coucal is one of the 6 species of coucals found in the Philippines. It is the Philippines rarest endemic coucal and can only be seen in Mindoro, a small island southwest of mainland Luzon. The field guide describes it as a secretive skulker, and prefers the dense vines and foliage of the lowland forests in Mindoro. The call is a a loud and resonating Hoot hoot hoot hoot hoot similar to that of a Black-faced Coucal, another endemic that ranges only in Mindanao, Samar,Leyte and Bohol. Birdlife International classifies this bird as "Critically Endangered" as the lowland forests in Mindoro are rapidly disappearing due to illegal logging and slash and burn farming. The best reliable site for this Coucal is in Siburan where some lowland forest is still present within a penal colony and prison farm. Entry to the Siburan Penal Colony is restricted and requires a permit and prior arrangement with the Prison Superintendent. Black-hooded Coucal, Centropus steerii February 2014, Siburan, Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental, Philippines