The Cuckoo That Builds Its Own Nest 💚

Ruby Eyes and Rufous Wings

Spotting the Greater Coucal

#intothewildwithrufus #birding

This is yet another lovely endemic bird that we spotted today. It’s called the Greater Coucal - commonly referred to as a crow pheasant.

It belongs to the cuckoo order. However, unlike many well-known cuckoos that lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, this species builds its own large, nest and raises its own chicks.

Interestingly, despite having large wings, they are surprisingly weak and clumsy flyers. They prefer to spend their time walking or running on the ground and clambering agilely through shrubs and tall grass to hunt for insects, snails, eggs, and small vertebrates like lizards or snakes (as seen in these pictures that I had taken today).

Moreover, they are quite famous for their deep, booming hoop-hoop-hoop vocalisation calls.

If you come across a bird with a glossy black body, heavy black bills, bright ruby-red eyes, and rich chestnut-rufous wings – congratulations! You’ve spotted the Greater Coucal! 😊