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    Centropus – Coucals

    Often described as "ground cuckoos" because they spend much of their time on the ground foraging for food

    These birds are part of the cuckoo family but are quite different from the typical cuckoos most people might be familiar with. Coucals are often larger, with a more robust build, and they have long, strong legs that make them excellent walkers. Unlike many birds, they spend a lot of time on the ground, hunting for food in the underbrush and dense vegetation.

    One of the most striking features of coucals is their plumage. Depending on the species, their feathers can range from glossy black to rich browns and russets, often with a beautiful sheen. Their long, broad tails and strong, curved beaks give them a distinctive appearance. The eyes of many coucal species are bright red, which adds to their striking look. When they fly, their flight is slow and heavy, unlike the swift, direct flight of other birds. This slow flight, combined with their habit of staying close to the ground, often makes them seem a bit mysterious.

    Coucals are known for their distinctive calls, which are usually deep, resonant, and sometimes haunting. These calls are often heard at dawn and dusk and can carry over long distances. The sounds they make are an important part of their communication, helping them to establish territory and attract mates.

    In terms of behavior, coucals are quite different from other cuckoos. While most cuckoos are known for laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, coucals build their own nests and care for their own young. They construct large, domed nests made of grasses and leaves, usually hidden in dense vegetation, to protect their eggs and chicks from predators. Both the male and female take part in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch.