White-browed Coucal
This bird is as close as you can get to being a raptor without a hooked bill and talons. It is a fierce hunter and haunts the dreams of lizards. Plus it is a looker too.
My mother has one nesting in her backyard. As yard birds go this one is pretty thrilling. She also has Bronze Manikins, Spectacled Weavers, Common Bulbuls, Amethyst Sunbirds, and Speckled Mousebirds… but the skittish Coucal is the star of the show.
My heart goes out to the lizards. Just think how many insects we’d have if it weren’t for them! And yes, that’s a pretty dramatic bird, fortunate your Mom has them so close by.
January 16, 2012 at 12:36 pm