Greater Coucal

The greater coucal, or crow pheasant, is a large, crow-like member of the cuckoo order, about 48 cm long with a long tail. The head, upper mantle and underside are black glossed with purple, the back and wings chestnut-brown, and the eyes ruby red. Juveniles are duller, with spots on the crown and whitish bars below (Wikipedia, general species account).

Unlike most cuckoos it is not a brood parasite. It is a weak flier, often clambering through vegetation or walking on the ground as it forages for insects, eggs and nestlings. It lives in habitats from jungle to farmland and town gardens, and its deep resonant call is linked with omens in many parts of its range. Nationally Least Concern (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).