The greater coucal or crow pheasant (Centropus sinensis) is a large cuckoo – the common name is perhaps derived from the French coucou and alouette for its long lark-like claw. A widespread resident in Asia, from India, Pakistan, east to south China, Nepal and Indonesia, it is divided into several subspecies, some being treated as full species. Weak fliers, they are often seen clambering about in vegetation or walking on the ground as they forage for insects, eggs and nestlings of other birds. They sunbathe in the mornings singly or in pairs on the top of vegetation with their wings spread out. The breeding season is after the monsoon in southern India but varies in other parts of its range but chiefly June to September.
