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Green Coucal: (Ceuthmochares aereus)



Description:
Approximately 33cm in length and sexes alike. Has an unmistakenly bright, yellow bill, and olive-grey head, slowly becoming dark and metallic green on the wings and long tail. The underparts are pale greyish-green, and the eyes are cromson, with green skin around the eye.

Distribution:
Forests of lowland and equatorial Africa from Senegal t Kenya, extending south down east coast into Southern Africa. Frequents thickets, creepers and tangles on edge of forest and areas of forest regrowth.

Feeding:
Feed mainly on insects, such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. They also feed on tree frogs.

Breeding:
Little is known about the breeding biology, although it is thought to be monogamous and territorial. The nest is seen to be a flimsy platform of twigs lined with leaves, and placed high in a thicket. Eggs are white, and approx 30x23 mm in length. Approx 2-4 eggs are laid.