242 a hand-book of the management of animals 



Observations on the habits of a Coel. 



It is shy and unobtrusive, but nevertheless more sociable than 

 the common hawk cuckoo ; it is arboreal in habits, never being seen 

 on the ground except for a moment when it descends to carry away 

 its food It calls beautifully even in captivity, and during the breeding 

 season it may be heard to call at night also, especially if there is 

 a moon. 



(132) THE INDIAN COUCAL. 



(CENTROCOCCYX RUFIPENNIS— (III.) ) 



Hindi — Mahoka. Bengali— Kuka, from the noise it makes. 



Description. — Head, neck, lower part of the back, upper tail- 

 coverts, and all the underparts purplish black ; upper part of the back 

 and wings deep rufous ; tail green-glossed ; bill black ; iris crimson ; legs 

 black; total length about 19 inches. They vary somewhat according 

 to age, sex and even locality. 



Hab. — Found all over India, Burmah, and Malayana. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 About seven years. 



Treatment in health. 



Housing. — May be kept with a magpie and crow, but certainly 

 not with smaller birds. 



Food. — Satoo prepared with minced meat, eggs, small lizards, 

 frogs, land snails, and even small birds. 



Observations on its habits. 



It spends much of its time on the ground searching for insects 

 and spiders. The specimen that lived in the garden often killed rats 

 and mice. It has a deep monotonous and somewhat doleful note, which 

 it utters repeatedly for several minutes. 



(133) THE LESSER INDIAN COUCAL. 

 (CENTROPUS VIRIDIS— (Scop.) ) 



Description. — Head, nape, upper tail-coverts, breast and abdomen 

 greenish-black ; wings and back rufous ; tail greenish-black ; total 

 length about 15 inches. This species also varies much according to sex 

 and age. 



Hab. — Found throughout the greater part of India; more common 

 in some places than in others. 



