It inhabits areas with thick cover afforded by rank undergrowth and scrub, including in suitable coastal regions.

Common names include gewone vleiloerie in Afrikaans and umGugwane or uFukwe in Zulu.

Two subspecies are recognized:[2] C. b. fasciipygialis has starker plumage colours, the head being solid black and the underparts whiter, besides less streaking caused by contrasting feather shafts.

In adults the barred rump and tail covert feathers distinguishes it from the white-browed coucal.

[6] Between September and February (austral summer) a large matted nest is normally made in a thorn tree.