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.
This is a great shot of the bird. Such beautiful colors.
ReplyDeleteAwesome
ReplyDeleteHow 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.
ReplyDeleteYou managed a really good photo under the circumstances. Thanks for the information on the Greater Coucal. Greetings Jo (East Africa)
ReplyDeleteWow! beautiful shot of the bird.
ReplyDeleteMinutes after you landing, you come up with a great shot. Looking for more,,
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Thanks for sharing at our Wordless Wednesday party at Create With Joy!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful colours that bird is
ReplyDeleteHave a feathertastic week ;-)
Beautiful bird. I went on a bird photos shoot last weekend. They are not that easy to capture in photos.
ReplyDeleteNo need for another shot, this one is beautiful. Love the color contrast.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day!
That's a really unusual shade of red and blue for a bird. Great capture.
ReplyDeleteWow! That is a beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the detail, colors and contrast!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot.
ReplyDeleteHere is mine :
http://anoptimistic.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/picture-story-of-storytime-2/
Just a lovely photo showing detail and explanation is wonderful. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteJM Illinois
U.S.A.
The most beautiful bird I have ever seen anywhere. You were so fortunate to get such a wonderful photo Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! Love the colors. We have lots of birds that prefer to walk, too!
ReplyDeleteA 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!
ReplyDeleteAn intense looking bird, gorgeous colours!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteFantastic shot of the lovely bird.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous bird.
ReplyDeleteLovely post for the birdd-theme!
ReplyDeleteSuch a colorful bird!
Wow....just plain wow. A very colorful bird.
ReplyDeletePaternity leave? Does that mean congratulations is at hand?
Yes, expected arrival is on April 18. :)
DeleteWe are great bird watchers however have never been to Asia. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletegood shot, beautiful bird; ave a nice Sunday
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Looks like a crow, but prettier and more colorful. Sounds like an interesting character, as well.
ReplyDeleteThose red feathers are stunning.
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