coucal
- noun
- /ˈkuːkəl/
- Australian
:
cucú
- The coucal is often seen in open grasslands.
Examples
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Unlike most cuckoos, the coucal builds its own nest rather than laying eggs in other birds' nests.
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A coucal was spotted in the tall grasses near the riverbank early this morning.
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The distinctive call of the coucal can be heard at dawn in many Asian wetlands.
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Have you ever spotted a coucal in the wild?
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In India, the coucal is often considered a symbol of good fortune among local villagers.
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When the sun sets, the coucal can be heard calling from the tall grass at the edge of the forest.
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The distinctive sound of the coucal echoes through the fields, signaling the end of the day.
Synonyms
A large bird like a cuckoo that lives on the ground in Africa, Asia, and Australia
Compounds
- Australian
A large Australian bird in the cuckoo family with a long tail like a pheasant
Surface Forms
Etymology
Coucal comes from a French name for a cuckoo and is related to the English word cuckoo. A helpful way to remember it is 'ground cuckoo' because a coucal is a cuckoo that lives on the ground and builds its own nest, which is why the word today names that bird.
