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The greater coucal or crow pheasant (Centropus sinensis), is a large non-parasitic member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes. A widespread resident in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, it is divided into several subspecies, some being treated as full species. They are large, crow-like with a long tail and coppery brown wings and found in wide range of habitats from jungle to cultivation and urban gardens. They are weak fliers, and are often seen clambering about in vegetation or walking on the ground as they forage for insects, eggs and nestlings of other birds. They have a familiar deep resonant call which is associated with omens in many parts of its range.
Scientific Name : Centropus sinensis
Family : Cuculidae
Order : Cuculiformes
Class : Aves
Type : Cuckoos
Conservation Status : Least concern (LC)
Size : 48
Compare Size : House crow +
Migratory : Resident
Sex Alike : Yes
Nesting Season : 3 - 5 eggs
Other Names :
English : crow pheasant
Habitat:
grassland and second growth, at forest edges, near-human habitation. It is also found in mangroves, scrubs, marshes, reed beds.
Feeding:
wide range of insects, caterpillars, and small vertebrates such as the Saw-scaled vipers. They are also known to eat bird eggs, nestlings, fruits, and seeds.
| Male & Female | |
|---|---|
| Head | black |
| Neck | black |
| Mantle | upper area black |
| Back | chestnut-brown |
| Wing | chestnut-brown |
| Iris | ruby-red |
| Underparts | black glossed with purple |
| Tail | broad; black |
| Note : females are slightly larger |
|
| Juvenile | |
|---|---|
| Note : duller black with spots on the crown and there are whitish bars on the underside and tail |