Greater Coucal

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Crow Pheasant

Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Centropus
Species: C. sinensis
Binomial name
Centropus sinensis
(Stephens, 1815)

The Greater Coucal or the Crow Pheasant Centropus sinensis, is a non-parasitic member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes. It is also known as the Crow pheasant or 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.

In Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
In Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

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.

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at Narendrapur near Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

at Narendrapur near Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Immature at Hodal in Faridabad District of Haryana, India.

Immature at Hodal in Faridabad District of Haryana, India.

Immature at Hodal in Faridabad District of Haryana, India.

Immature at Hodal in Faridabad District of Haryana, India.

Drying & sunning after rains in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Nest in a Whistling Pine in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

In Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Picking up a snail shell in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

In Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

thumb|left| In Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

thumb|left|Zygodactyl arrangement of toes