The Greater Coucal dries its wings

But-But Cari Anak (Malay) - Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) spreading out its wings to dry.
Location : Botanic Island Three, Zone I

The Greater Coucal with its long tail,
bluish black head and chestnut wings

There was a brief heavy rain early this morning which was a boon considering the long drought which we experienced for the last few weeks.  After the rain stopped I took a walk to Botanic Island Three.  At the edge of the forest that is part of the Botanic Island, I saw a large bird perching on a small tree branch.  It was the Greater Coucal taking a rest on the branch while spreading out its wings to dry after the rain shower.  The Greater Coucal is often heard with its characteristic 'But-But' sounds, but seldom seen.  It prefers to move quietly among the trees and branches from where it scouts for small animals like lizards, frogs and insects.  It usually makes short flights interspersed with gliding.

The Greater Coucal  takes short flights interspersed with gliding.

But-But Kecil

 Somewhere in the middle of the picture above is  a But- But which in Malay refers to the Coucal bird.  Here there are two main varieties the Greater and Lesser Coucal.  However , in this post are the pictures of the Lesser Coucal.  What is striking about this bird is the chestnut coloured wings.  It has bill, legs and feet in black.  They are not easily seen but when they are around they like to hunt for lizards, insects and other small mammals.