What is crow-pheasant?

Crow-pheasant, also known as Greater Coucal or the Indian cuckoo, is a large, long-tailed bird belonging to the cuckoo family. They are found in many parts of Asia, including India, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, among others.

Crow-pheasants are omnivorous and feed on a diet that includes insects, small mammals, reptiles, and fruits. They are known for their loud and distinctive calls, which are usually heard during the breeding season.

The male crow-pheasant is larger than the female and has a glossy black plumage with a brownish-red iris. The female has a reddish-brown plumage with a blackish-green iris. The bird is about 48 to 62 cm long and weighs around 300 to 550 grams.

Crow-pheasants are monogamous and typically breed from May to August. They build nests using twigs, leaves, and grass, usually in thorny bushes or trees. Females lay 2 to 4 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them.

The population of crow-pheasants is considered to be stable, and they are not classified as a threatened species. However, habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as deforestation and urbanization are potential threats to their survival.