Greater Coucal
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| Centropus sinensis (Stephens, 1815) |
The Greater Coucal, Centropus sinensis, is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes, which also includes the roadrunners, the anis, and the Hoatzin. It is also known as the "Crow pheasant" or simply "Coucal."
It is a widespread resident in southern Asia, from India east to south China and Indonesia. It found in wide range of habitats from jungle to cultivation. It nests in a bush, and the typical clutch is 3-5 eggs.
This is a large species at 48 cm. Its head and body are purple black, the wings are chestnut above and black below, and the long tail is dark green. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and heavily barred.
The Greater Coucal is a large bird which takes a wide range of insects, caterpillars and small vertebrates. It occasionally eats other food items.
The call of this species, like that of most cuckoos is a simple repetition, in this case of a deep booming note.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Centropus sinensis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 09 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
