American coucal

The American coucal (Centropus americanum), sometimes known as the rainbird, is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae of the genus Centropus that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American coucal reaches an average length of 36-42 centimeters (14-16.5 inches). It has a white throat and underparts, a black head and neck, dark yellowish-brown back and wings and a long black tail. Eyes are a deep red. It is famous for its bubbling call, which sounds like pouring water. The name “rainbird” comes from the superstitious people's belief that rain will soon fall after hearing the call of the American coucal. The American coucal can catch and eat various invertebrates, small rodents, birds up to the size of doves and pigeons, reptiles and amphibians. Most of the foraging is done in trees or in bushes. It will also swoop down and catch prey on the ground. The American coucal is usually seen as a solitary individual or in pairs. Unlike many Old World cuckoos or relatives, American coucals are not brood parasites, though they do have their own reproductive peculiarity: American coucals are (to varying degrees) sex-role reversed, so that the smaller male provides most of the parental care. The nest is built by the male and is a large deep cup made up of grass and leaves. It is placed in tall grass, reedbeds, thickets, bush, hedges or in a thorny tree, usually 0.5-10 meters above ground. The egg-laying season is between March-June in most places. 2-5 eggs are laid and incubated mostly by the female for around 15-16 days. The feet of the chicks develop fast enough for them to move around the bush before they can fly. Chicks usually leave the nest after around 21 days, but will be dependent on the parents for several more weeks. The conservation status of the American coucal is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American coucal's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.