Crow Pheasant or Greater Coucal

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This heavy cuckoo appears like a crow and regularly walks on the ground like a pheasant, which possibly the reason why it is called Crow Pheasant. Also known as Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis), adult individuals are easily identified by its dual colored plumage with red eyes, and large size up to 20 inches in length. 

crow pheasant, greater coucal, centropus sinensis, cuckoo
Adult Crow Pheasant or Greater Coucal

Crow Pheasant inhabits areas with tall grasses and dense scrub, like those found along rivers and at the edges of forest, cultivation and villages. Despite its common occurrence, it is seldom seen because it spends much time inside thick bushes and tall grasses. Early in the morning or after rain showers are probably the easiest period to view this bird as it preens and dries itself in open perches. Most of the time, it is often heard than seen because it has an unmistakable call consisting of a series of loud booming notes.

coucal habitat, crow pheasant habitat, scrub, bird habitat
Crow Pheasant's habitat typically consists of grassland with scattered trees and bushes.

Although the Crow Pheasant belongs to the cuckoo family, in which many of its members are parasitic nesters, this bird build its own nest instead. The nest is a massive structure made of grasses and other plant materials with an entrance at the side. Interestingly, some of the plants used by the bird are part of the ingredients of an essential oil. The locals in the Indo-Malayan region named this oil after the bird, and they use it to treat broken bones, sprains and insect bites among others.


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