Andaman coucal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Andaman coucal |
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| Andaman coucal in North Andaman Island | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Centropus
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| Species: |
andamanensis
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| Synonyms | |
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Centropus sinensis andamanensis |
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The Andaman coucal, also known as the brown coucal, is a special kind of cuckoo. Unlike some cuckoos, it doesn't lay its eggs in other birds' nests. This bird lives in the Andaman Islands, and also on Coco and Table Islands. You can often find it in forests and gardens with lots of plants. Some scientists think it might be a type of greater coucal, but others believe it's its own unique species.
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What Does the Andaman Coucal Look Like?
The Andaman coucal is a large bird. Male coucals are about 38 to 40 centimeters (15 to 15.7 inches) long. Females are a bit bigger, around 40 to 42 centimeters (15.7 to 16.5 inches) long.
This bird looks a lot like the greater coucal. However, the Andaman coucal has fawn brown feathers. The greater coucal is mostly black with a bluish-purple shine. The Andaman coucal has chestnut-colored wings and a pale tawny brown head. Its back and chest are light brown, getting darker towards its belly. Its eyes are pale brown. The tail is light brown at the base and dark violet-brown at the tip. You can see black lines on its tail feathers. Young coucals have light stripes on their bodies, especially underneath.
Where Does the Andaman Coucal Live?
The Andaman coucal is mostly found in the Andaman Islands. This includes South Andaman, North Andaman, and smaller islands nearby. It also lives on the Coco Islands and Table Island. These islands belong to Myanmar.
You can see these birds in many places. They live in forests and even in gardens. They also like areas where forests meet open spaces. You might spot them near mangroves or the edges of rice fields.
How Does the Andaman Coucal Behave?
Andaman coucals build their nests during the monsoon season. This is usually from May through July. They make their nests from twigs, grass, and leaves. The nest is placed high up in a tree. A female coucal usually lays two or three eggs at a time.
What Does the Andaman Coucal Sound Like?
The song of the Andaman coucal is similar to the greater coucal's song. It makes a long series of deep, booming "hoop" sounds. These sounds suddenly get higher in pitch. They also make chuckling and grating noises.
What Does the Andaman Coucal Eat?
The Andaman coucal eats many different things. Its diet includes all kinds of insects. It also hunts small frogs, crabs, and lizards.
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