Greater coucal

Greater coucal
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Centropus
Species:
C. sinensis
Binomial name
Centropus sinensis
(Stephens, 1815)[2]

The greater coucal or crow pheasant (Centropus sinensis), is a large non-parasitic member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes. A widespread resident in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, it is divided into several subspecies, some being treated as full species. They are large, crow-like with a long tail and coppery brown wings and found in a 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.

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Centropus sinensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22684229A93020052. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22684229A93020052.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ In Shaw's General Zoology 9, pt. 1, p. 51. (Type locality China, Ning Po.) per Payne (2005)