Crow pheasant - भारद्वाज.

Crow pheasant or Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) is a large bird compared to its other close relatives - Cuckoo birds. It is native to India and some other countries of Asia. These birds are seen in jungles but are quite common in many city gardens. Though quite large in size, they are weak fliers. When on trees, they are seen mostly on lower branches. Quite often one can see them walking on ground or walking among tree branches.

Adult bird

Feathers on their body are black but the wings are chestnut brown. They have long tail feathers. Eyes of this bird are red. Young birds have speckled white spots on the black feathers. It feeds mainly on insects, caterpillars, snails, small reptiles and eggs /chicks of other birds too.  It also consumes fruits. Its call is booming, something like that of Langurs. Quite often duets of male & female birds can be heard, with female call being a bit softer. While calling they have habit of bending down their heads (like old humans coughing). In many parts of India its sighting is considered as a good omen. Common name for it in Marathi is ‘Bharadwaj’