Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis)
The Greater Coucal is a large, ground-dwelling bird that belongs to the cuckoo family. It is found in parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Indonesia, and Thailand.
These birds have a distinctive appearance, with a long tail, a dark brown plumage, and a large, curved bill. They are known for their loud, distinctive calls, which can often be heard in their forested habitats.
Greater Coucals are primarily ground-dwelling and can often be seen walking or hopping along the forest floor in search of prey, which mainly consists of insects, small mammals, and reptiles. They are also known to eat fruits and seeds.
During breeding season, Greater Coucals construct large, platform-like nests made of twigs and leaves in the low branches of trees. They typically lay 2-4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
Despite being relatively common in their natural habitat, Greater Coucals are sometimes considered pests due to their habit of eating crops and destroying gardens. However, they are also important predators of insects and other small animals, which helps to keep these populations in check.
Overall, the Greater Coucal is an interesting and important species that plays a significant role in many forest ecosystems in its range.