- general description
- appearance
- the lesser coucal is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive glossy black head, neck, and upperparts.
- its wings and tail are reddish-brown with a greenish sheen.
- it has a strong, slightly curved bill and red eyes.
- juveniles are brown with heavy streaking on the underparts.
- size
- measures about 39-42 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 160-240 grams.
- behavior
- known for its secretive and solitary nature, often seen skulking in dense vegetation.
- it has a slow, deliberate flight and is more likely to be seen walking or hopping on the ground.
- produces a variety of calls, including a deep, resonant “coo-coo” sound.
- habitat
- range
- widely distributed across south and southeast asia, including india, bangladesh, myanmar, thailand, malaysia, indonesia, and the philippines.
- environment
- inhabits a variety of environments including grasslands, marshes, reed beds, and agricultural fields.
- often found in areas with dense vegetation near water bodies.
- diet
- primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
- also consumes bird eggs and nestlings, and occasionally fruits.
- breeding
- nesting
- builds a large, dome-shaped nest made of grasses and leaves, usually placed close to the ground in dense vegetation.
- the nest is well-concealed and has a side entrance.
- reproduction
- breeding season varies across its range but generally occurs during the rainy season.
- female lays 3-5 eggs, which are incubated for about 15-18 days.
- both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its wide range and stable population.
- interesting facts
- the lesser coucal is known for its role in controlling insect populations, as it consumes a large number of agricultural pests.
- unlike many other cuckoo species, the lesser coucal does not practice brood parasitism but rather builds its own nest and raises its young.