Missed my earlier posts? Don't worry, you can catch up by clicking the button below.

Greater Coucal

I am in Kerala for a paternity break. As soon as I arrived today morning, I  got a glimpse of this fella in the backyard. This is the only shot I got before it disappeared in the foliage. Hope to see him again and capture a better photo.


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 Asia, from India, east to south China and Indonesia.

Some interesting information about the bird:
1. They are weak fliers, and are often seen clambering about in vegetation or walking on the ground. They are brisk walkers.
2. They eat a wide range of insects, caterpillars and small vertebrates. They are also known to eat bird eggs, nestlings, fruits and seeds.
3. Greater Coucals are monogamous, and the courtship display involves chases on the ground and the male brings food gifts for the female. The female lowers her tail and droops her wings to signal acceptance. The nest is built mostly by the male over about three to eight days.
4. The calls are booming low coop-coop-coops, the reason why the bird is called Uppan in Kerala.
5. The bird is associated with many superstitions and beliefs. The deep calls are associated with spirits and omens.

29 comments:

  1. This is a great shot of the bird. Such beautiful colors.

    ReplyDelete
  2. How nice to have a little break in Kerala with the the family! What a beautifully colored bird!!! Have a wonderful time, Shiju. Hope Manju is getting a little rest.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You managed a really good photo under the circumstances. Thanks for the information on the Greater Coucal. Greetings Jo (East Africa)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! beautiful shot of the bird.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Minutes after you landing, you come up with a great shot. Looking for more,,

    ReplyDelete
  6. Gorgeous! Thanks for sharing at our Wordless Wednesday party at Create With Joy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. What beautiful colours that bird is

    Have a feathertastic week ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful bird. I went on a bird photos shoot last weekend. They are not that easy to capture in photos.

    ReplyDelete
  9. No need for another shot, this one is beautiful. Love the color contrast.
    Have a lovely day!

    ReplyDelete
  10. That's a really unusual shade of red and blue for a bird. Great capture.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm loving the detail, colors and contrast!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great shot.
    Here is mine :
    http://anoptimistic.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/picture-story-of-storytime-2/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Just a lovely photo showing detail and explanation is wonderful. Thanks for posting.
    JM Illinois
    U.S.A.

    ReplyDelete
  14. The most beautiful bird I have ever seen anywhere. You were so fortunate to get such a wonderful photo Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  15. How pretty! Love the colors. We have lots of birds that prefer to walk, too!

    ReplyDelete
  16. A very pretty bird, love the colors.. Thank for sharing the info on this Greater Coucal! Thank you for linking up with this weeks critter party. Have a happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  17. An intense looking bird, gorgeous colours!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful bird!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lovely post for the birdd-theme!
    Such a colorful bird!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow....just plain wow. A very colorful bird.

    Paternity leave? Does that mean congratulations is at hand?

    ReplyDelete
  21. We are great bird watchers however have never been to Asia. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  22. good shot, beautiful bird; ave a nice Sunday

    much love...

    ReplyDelete
  23. Looks like a crow, but prettier and more colorful. Sounds like an interesting character, as well.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Those red feathers are stunning.

    ReplyDelete

I appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog and I truly value any feedback you have to offer. If you have a moment, please share your thoughts with me.
**If you opt to post a comment anonymously, kindly disclose your name to put my curiosity to rest.