The Green-billed Coucal, Centropus chlororhynchus, is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes, which also includes the roadrunners, the anis, and the Hoatzin. It is endemic to Sri Lanka. The Green-billed Coucal is a rare and shy species of the tall rainforests of southwest Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, this bird is known as Bata Etikukula or, Wal Etikukula in Sinhala Language. This bird appears in a 20 rupee Sri Lankan postal stamp.
Identification
This is a large species at 43 cm. Its head and body are purple-black, the wings are maroon above and black below, and the long tail is dark green. The bill is a distinctive light green. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller and streaked.
Behaviour
A very shy and elusive bird, it is far better known by its calls than by sight but, wherever the wet-zone forests have been spared the axe, it is still fairly common; its range, however, is rapidly dwindling and as it shows no sign of being able to adjust itself to new conditions, there can be no doubt that its days will soon be numbered – unless wise foresight reserves extensive forest sanctuaries in the wet zone.
It nests in a bush, and the typical clutch is 2-3 eggs. The Green-billed Coucal takes a wide range of insects, caterpillars and small vertebrates, but snails are a favourite. It occasionally eats other food items. This species is somewhat smaller and less contrasted than the widespread Greater Coucal. Despite its size and distinctive call, this is a difficult species to see because of the dense habitat in which it lives and its retiring nature.
Locations
Undisturbed forests. Associated with bamboo and cane rushes. Breeding ground is in Low Country wet zones & wet foothills. More often heard than seen.
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