Greater coucal (भारद्वाज)

General Information- Greater coucal (भारद्वाज) is a big bird from Asian country having brown wings on the black body with red color eyes. They are large, crow-like with a long tail and coppery brown wings and found in wide range of habitats from jungle to cultivation and urban gardens. They are weak fliers, and are often seen clambering about in vegetation or walking on the ground as they forage for insects, eggs and nestlings of other birds. They have a familiar deep resonant call which is associated with omens in many parts of its range.

Due to less flying power, these birds prefer walking and running near small bushes and often they are spotted during crossing the roads. Due to road crossing, many of the Greater coucals found dead due to striking with the cars. Greater coucals have spiritual importance in India. It is believed that watching the Greater coucal will make your day very good and happy. Also many people search for the bird on the Indian New Year which brings the entire New Year with happiness and prosperity.

Nest- The nest is built mostly by the male over about three to eight days. The nest is a deep cup with a dome in dense vegetation inside tangles of creepers, bamboo clump or Pandanus crowns. They can be built as high as 6m above the ground. But generally we cannot locate the nest easily.

Eggs- Greater coucal generally laid 3 to 4 eggs. The eggs are chalky white with a yellow glaze when laid that wears off. Eggs required around 15 days of incubation.

Food habits- Greater coucal generally eat insects, bird eggs, nestlings, fruits and seeds. They are searching the food on the ground around the bushes and on the grass land.

Life Span- Not available.