It is found in West Africa in dense second growth along forest edge and grassy swamps.

The subspecies found in northern and central Zaire is sometimes split as Neumann's coucal (Centropus neumanni).

The black-throated coucal is the largest species in the genus Centropus, growing to 46 to 58 cm (18 to 23 in) in length.

The juvenile has somewhat similar plumage to the adult, but is barred and streaked with buff, and lacks the gloss on the head.

Its range includes Cameroon, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.