Order Cuculiformes Genus Centropus Higher classification Coucal | Phylum Chordata Family Cuculidae Scientific name Centropus chlororhynchos Rank Species | |
 | ||
Similar Red‑faced malkoha, Bird, Coucal, Orange‑billed babbler, Sri Lanka blue magpie | ||
Green billed coucal centropus chlororhynchos e
The green-billed coucal (Centropus chlororhynchos) is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes, which also includes the roadrunners, the anis, and the hoatzin.
Contents
- Green billed coucal centropus chlororhynchos e
- Sri lanka green billed coucal centropus chlororhynchos sun basking sinharaja rain forest
- In culture
- References
It is endemic to Sri Lanka. The green-billed coucal is a rare and shy species of the tall rainforests of southwest Sri Lanka. It nests in a bush, and the typical clutch is 2-3 eggs.
This is a medium to large species at 43 cm. Its head and body are purple-black, the wings are maroon above and black below, and the long tail is dark green. The bill is a distinctive light green. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and streaked.
The green-billed coucal takes a wide range of insects, caterpillars and small vertebrates, but snails are a favourite. It occasionally eats other food items.
This species is somewhat smaller and less contrasted than the more widespread greater coucal. Despite its size and distinctive call, this is a difficult species to see because of the dense habitat in which it lives and its retiring nature.
This coucal has a small and declining population as a result of the forest destruction.
Sri lanka green billed coucal centropus chlororhynchos sun basking sinharaja rain forest
In culture
In Sri Lanka, this bird is known as bata atti-kukula - or, wal atti-kukula in the Sinhala language. This bird appears in a 20 rupee Sri Lankan postal stamp.