The Great Coucal, also known as the Crow Pheasant, is a striking bird with a unique appearance. Standing at around 48 centimeters tall, it has a black head and body with a glossy purple sheen. Its wings are a rich coppery brown, contrasting sharply with the black underside. A long, graduated tail adds to its elegant look. Deep red eyes complete the picture, making it a real head-turner.
Unlike some of its cuckoo relatives, the Great Coucal is a doting parent. These birds are monogamous and breed during the rainy season. They build their nests in dense vegetation, laying a clutch of eggs that both parents take turns incubating and caring for the chicks.
While not the most graceful flier, the Great Coucal is quite at home on the ground. With its strong legs, it prefers to stalk through undergrowth or walk along the forest floor, searching for food. This opportunistic eater has a varied diet that includes insects, lizards, small snakes, and even the eggs and nestlings of other birds.
Habitat-wise, the Great Coucal is quite adaptable. You can find it in a variety of environments, from lush jungles to cultivated fields and even urban gardens. As long as there's dense vegetation to provide cover, this interesting bird can make itself at home.
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