This is first of the series of birds found in Dombivli. We invite all bird lovers to come forward and contribute in terms of articles, spotting and photographs.


Crow Pheasant or also know as - Bharadwaj is frequently sighted in Dombivli. [url=http://www.indiabirds.com//birdsounds/coucal3.mp3]hear call 1[/url] 2] The bird is quite shy and seen in dense shorter trees. It is member of cuckoo family and also known as Greater Coucal. It is a widespread resident in India and other parts of south east Asia. It found in wide range of habitats from jungle to cultivation. It nests in a bush.

The bird is quite large around 48 cm. Its head and body are purple black, the wings are chestnut above and black below, and the long tail is dark green. The bird feeds on wide range of insects, caterpillars and small vertebrates. It occasionally eats other food items.

The call is that of most cuckoos is a simple repetition, in this case of a deep booming note.

Is it that "in different regions, different birds are known as Bharadwaj ?" In Pune, one person showed me a Bhardwaj which looked somewhat different...

Samir, I am pretty sure that Crow Pheasant is known as Bharadwaj. Would be confirming with other bird enthusiasts though.

Kuashal,

Thanks for posting it out here,

I have spotted it for almost 100 times and may be more in outskirts of Kopar while traveling from train, was no way sure what it was called.