The Crow Pheasant or the Greater Coucal is a majestic bird. It belongs to the cuckoo order of birds (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_coucal). It looks a little like a crow, but, it has a long tail like a pheasant. It is known as the king of crows. This bird is commonly found across Asia, in particular, in India, China, Nepal and Indonesia. In India, this bird is known by various names such as Chembuka (in Coorg, Karnataka, India) or Kembhoota,  Bharadwaj Pakshi etc.

In India, it is believed that sighting this bird brings good luck your way. Should you spot a Crow Pheasant and tell someone you saw one, you are sure to send good luck their way!

My father introduced me to this bird on one of our walks. I have watched this bird closely and am very happy whenever I see one. Here is a poem that describes the beauty of this bird. Hope you enjoy it!

The Majestic Crow Pheasant

That the Crow Pheasant is a majestic bird,

is a fact I’ve often heard.

She has a black head

And her eyes are ruby red.

Cinnamon is on her wings

And coop, coop, coop she sings.

She treads softly on the grass

As she searches for insects amidst the moss.

On the grass, she hops

And on seeing a juicy caterpillar, she stops!

To see her in flight,

I tell you is sheer delight.

Effortlessly she glides

As the wind she rides.

On a quiet morning,

You are sure to hear her call her mate.

His response is certain,

Though sometimes quite late!

Sighting a Crow Pheasant,

Brings good luck your way.

If you tell someone you saw her,

They are sure to have a good day.

That the Crow Pheasant is a majestic bird,

is now a fact you too have heard!