A Philippine endemic, it is fairly common and found nearly in all islands but absent in Palawan. This weak flying cuckoo occurs around low-lands and up to 2,000 m, and likes to stay in undergrowth and vine-tangles in forest edges. It has various calls, in the early morning are loud repeated chagook sounds and a descending coo-coo-coo in a variety of ways. It is black with dark chestnut wings.