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thaivillage
27 Apr 2008 159 views
 
  supporter of
shutterchance
camera Canon EOS 40D
exposure mode shutter priority
shutterspeed 1/125s
aperture f/5.6
sensitivity ISO200
focal length 360.0mm
resolution 1000x700 pixels

Lesser Coucal
Caution: To avoid damage to your eyes, please step back 2 or 3 metres from your computer screen when viewing this picture.

If you do step back, you can get some idea of what a spectacular and unusual-looking bird this is.

My understanding is that it is a member of the cuckoo family, but looks after its own eggs.

My observation is that it is about the size of a house crow, but has a very long tail. It has a beak very like a raptor [hawk, eagle, owl]. It prefers walking about on the ground to flying or perching in trees. It has bright red eyes. Its wing feathers are a brilliant rust colour. Elsewhere, its feathers are deep purple...almost black.

The Coucal is extremely wary of humans. I have made several attempts to make a good shot, but this pathetic result is the best I have managed...yet! I am determined to do better! When I get a decent shot...you will be the first to see it
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