Greater Coucal

1. Bird Name: This majestic bird is popularly known as the Greater Coucal, and its scientific (Latin) name is Centropus sinensis.

2. Appearance: The Greater Coucal boasts a distinctive coloration and pattern. It is primarily a deep black with a unique metallic green and purple sheen, which changes in the light. It’s coupled with brown wings, and a long, glossy tail decorated with broad chestnut tips. Its beak is robust and hooked, characteristic for a bird from the cuckoo family, and its eyes are a deep, ruby red—striking against its black plumage. There is no apparent sexual dimorphism between males and females.

3. Size: The Greater Coucal is a fairly large bird, measuring around 48 cm (approximately 19 inches) in length. The bird’s wingspan isn’t usually measured as they are weak fliers who generally prefer to walk or run. Adult Greater Coucals average weights around 230-571 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution: The habitat and distribution of the Greater Coucal are extensive, spanning across South Asia and Southeast Asia. From India to Indonesia, it is a common resident of various habitats, including forests, wetlands, scrublands, and even urban gardens. However, they show a preference towards damp habitats like mangroves and swamps.

5. Interesting Facts: Among interesting facts about the Greater Coucal, its namesake behavior of “coucal-coucal-ing” trots to a shimmery halt, giving rise to its moniker in certain regions as the “Clock Bird.” This bird is also associated with various superstitions in Indian culture, as the bird’s call early in the morning is considered a good omen. Moreover, unlike most cuckoos, Greater Coucals are not brood parasites, meaning they raise their offspring.

6. Diet: The Greater Coucal has a fairly versatile diet. It typically feeds on insects, snails, nestlings, lizards, and rodents. Known to forage on the ground, it deftly uses its robust bill to turn leaves and debris, searching for food.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Greater Coucals exhibit unique behaviors. They usually prefer to walk or run on the ground in a secretive, low-profile manner, making them difficult to sight. However, when they call, the sound is a distinctive series of deep, resonant “coop-coop-coops” that carry over a long distance. Their flight is somewhat labored, described as “lurching”, due to their heavy bodies.

8. Conservation Status: Currently, according to the IUCN Red List, the Greater Coucal is of least concern, as its population is widespread and the numbers are steady or increasing in some areas.

9. Lifespan: In the wild, Greater Coucals live for an average of 10 to 15 years. Lifespan in captivity might differ based on factors such as diet and care.

10. Additional Notes: In many languages, the Greater Coucal is named after its call, such as “Gupak Kuyak” in Malay, “Hobahoba” in Marathi, or “Bharadwaj Pakshi” in Hindi. Greater Coucals form monogamous pairs and both partners share duties while raising their young. In terms of ecosystem interaction, they play a significant role as pest controllers due to their consumption of insects and small rodents.