The greater coucal

A greater coucal is seen in Futian Mangrove Park. Photos by Isaac Cohen

The greater coucal

The greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), found in many places in Shenzhen, is a largebird measuring around 60 centimeters long. It boasts a shiny dark blue plumage with a chestnut-brown wingspan and a long, prominent tail. Its eyes are red, contrasting with a dark blue face. It possesses a stout body, strong legs, and a sharp beak.

褐翅鸦鹃是深圳常见留鸟，体长约60厘米，体覆羽大致黑色，泛蓝紫色金属光泽，两翼和肩部为棕栗色，尾甚长。虹膜深红色，与蓝黑色的面部形成鲜明对比，躯干、足健壮，善奔走，喙部尖锐带钩。

It’s found in the city’s forests, woodlands, and marshes, and also near water bodies such as streams, rivers, and ponds. The greater coucal, which thrives in natural and human-altered landscapes, makes a common sight in Shenzhen’s gardens, parks, and even urban areas, where they delight bird lovers with its unique whoop-whoop call.

褐翅鸦鹃栖息于森林、沼泽及水源（小溪、河流、池塘等）等自然生境，也能在人类聚落附近生存，因此在深圳的公园和城市绿地中都能找到它们的身影。成年在繁殖期会不停发出“咕咕”的低沉鸣叫吸引异性，非常容易辨识。

A greater coucal is seen in Futian Mangrove Park.

The greater coucal is an omnivorous bird with a diverse diet. It feeds on insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and eggs. It is exceptionally skilled at catching such bigger insects as grasshoppers and crickets, using its swift movements and sharp beak.

褐翅鸦鹃是一种杂食性鸟类，主要以昆虫、小型哺乳动物、鸟类、爬行类及鸟蛋为食。它们行动敏捷、技术老练的猎手，捕食蚱蜢、蟋蟀等机动性强的昆虫也不在话下。

A greater coucal is seen in OCT Wetland.

During their breeding season, the bird engages in fascinating courtship rituals. The male performs an elaborate display, spreading its wings and tail while making deep booming calls to attract a female. Once the pair bond is established, they build a large, untidy nest of twigs and leaves, usually hidden within dense vegetation. The female lays several eggs, and both parents take turns to incubate them. The parents then diligently care for theirhatchlings, providing them food and protection until they leave the nest.

褐翅鸦鹃在繁殖季具备显著的求偶行为：雄鸟会精心策划一场表演，一边抖擞炫耀自己的羽翼和尾巴，一边发出低沉的鸣叫声来吸引雌鸟。一旦建立了伴侣关系，它们便会用树枝叶等材料筑起一个大而简陋的巢，巢址常隐蔽在植物繁茂处。雌鸟每窝产卵可达数枚，由双亲轮流孵化并悉心喂养直至雏鸟离巢。

A greater coucal is seen in Dasha River Ecological Corridor. 

The bird plays a crucial role in local ecosystems. As an insectivorous bird, it helps control the population of pests, small mammals, and reptiles. Moreover, the greater coucal plays a role in dispersing seeds,as it consumes various fruits and excretes the undigested seeds in different locations, promoting plant diversity and regeneration.

褐翅鸦鹃在当地生态系统中发挥着至关重要的作用。它有助于控制害虫、小型哺乳动物和爬行动物的数量。此外，它们还是许多植物播种的重要媒介。因为褐翅鸦鹃个体在取食果实后，无法消化的种子会随排泄物直接排出体外，间接促成了植物种子的空间移动，有利于丰富新的生境的植物物种多样性，促进植物种群的再生。

However, this amazing bird is not easy to spot, due to its shy behavior and its tendency to hide within the vegetation. If you see it, or hear its call, feel fortunate, and enjoy the beauty of our unique biodiversity.

不过，褐翅鸦鹃性情羞怯，常隐蔽植被中，难得一见。所以无论是看到它，亦或是听到它的叫声，请感到幸运，并享受我们这座城市独特的生物多样性之美。