Chapter 5: Greater Coucal

Imagine you are roaming around in a garden, early in the morning. The weather is cold, the air is filled with silence and as far as your sight goes, there is no one with you. Suddenly you hear this sound (Audio credits: ebird.org)

Creepy, isn't it?😂

Even though it may sound creepy right now, this sound is associated with omens in many cultures. You may have heard it from your parents, relatives, or the elderly that catching sight of the Greater Coucal brings you good luck. The Greater Coucal, i.e. our Bhardwaj pakshi. Well, I don't know about the good luck part, but watching this bird up-close in its natural habitat will definitely make your day.

I have been living in this society for 9 years now, and all those years went by observing the Bhardwaj from a window on the 11th floor. The first time I got to see this bird at eye level was one of those days when I visited that mini jungle. Moreover, this first look was kind of funny as I saw the Coucal with a potato in its beak while it was loitering around the garbage pits looking for food.

 

If you think that a bird with potato is kinda dull, you have to take a look at this. Doesn't it have a fierce look in its blood-red eyes? Now THAT is intimidating. You gotta agree with me on this.

I don't know if it actually is that intimidating, but I think those red eyes are enough to give that impression. This impression was strengthened when I observed it with a kill, a Preying Mantis.

Despite all this fierceness, the Greater Coucal is a little lazy in case of flying. It is usually spotted walking on the ground or compound walls looking for food. And as far as my speculation goes, it generally prefers flying only when it needs to change a tree or fly to or from the ground. You can see this in the following video

Keep an eye out, you might just spot the Coucal in your neighborhood 😁! Happy Birding!