Notes on Family: Cuculidae from Indian Subcontinent.

Notes on  Family: Cuculidae from Indian Subcontinent.

Introduction to Family: Cuculidae

The Cuckoos are belong to Family Cuculidae. Along with Cuckoos this family consist of other members like Koels, Malkoha, Coucals( which are found in India)  and some other members like Road runners, Anis, Couas. The taxanomy this family is very complex as some members are put under new families or subfamilies. The coucals and anis are sometimes separated as distinct families, the Centropodidae and Crotophagidae respectively.

In India Cuculidae family consist of 11 genus 24 species under this family. In world there about 130-135 living species( excluding prehistoric and extinct) belonging to 33 genus till now.

The genus wise distribution In India as follows

1.   Clamator : (Pied Cuckoo and other related member): 2 species

2.   Hierococcyx : (Hawk Cuckoo & others) : 3 species

3.   Cuculus : (Indian Cuckoo & other) : 4 species

4.   Cacomantis : ( Bay Cuckoo & others) : 3 species

5.   Chyrsococcyx: (Emerald Cuckoo & Violet Cuckoo) : 2 species

6.   Surniculus: (Drongo Cuckoo) : 1 species

7.   Eudynamys:( Asian Koel) : 1 species

8.   Rhopodytes: ( Malkoha & other) : 2 species

9.   Taccocua: ( Sirkeer Malkoha) : 1 species

10. Phaenicophaeus ( Red Faced Malkoha) 1 species

11. Centropus ( Coucals) : 5 species

(Source: Birds of India: Richard Grimmeett,Carol Inskipp & Tim Inskipp, 2nd Edition)

 Members of Cuckoo Family (Plate from Birds of India by Krys Kazmierzak)

 Lets understand about some  genus under Cuculidae family

1.   Clamator : (Pied Cuckoo and other related member) : 2 species

in Latin 'Clamator' means Spokesperson or Proclaimer.  The birds belongs to this genus are generally associated with Monsoon. These are large, slim , black and white cuckoos with a crest & graduated tail.They are very vocal during the breeding season.The species was initially placed under the genus names of Coccystes, Oxylophus before being placed in Clamator. All birds under this genus are Brood Parasitic Cuckoo ( I will discuss about Brood Parasitism in separate post).

Clamator cuckoos are birds of warm open scrubby habitats, but some species are at least partially migratory, leaving for warmer and wetter areas in winter.Sexes are similar but the juvenile plumage's are distinctive. 

In India we have 2 species under this genera which are  Jacobin Cuckoo( Clamator jacobinus) & Chestnut winged Cuckoo ( Clamator coromandus). refer picture 18 & 19 respectively.

2.   Hierococcyx : (Hawk cuckoo & others) : 3 species

This genus name is derived from two words Hieron & Coccyx. In Latin ' Hieron' means the one who illegally seize or control over process' and ' a Latin word coccyx, derived from a Greek word kokkux (or kokkyx), an onomatopoeic name for a cuckoo, based on the bird's call. This genus has birds who mimic like Hawk and has curved beaks. 

In India Common Hawk Cuckoo has widespread distribution. These Cuckoo are well known for Brood parasitism. As they take control over nest of birds like Drongo, Crow, babblers & warblers etc  by replacing  their eggs with own's. Thus they justified their genus name.  (Refer picture 7,8 & 9)

3.  Cuculus : (Indian Cuckoo and Eurasian Cuckoo): 3 species

In Latin cuculus (the cuckoo) and canorus (melodious; from canere, meaning to sing). The cuckoo family gets its common name and genus name  by onomatopoeia for the call of the male Common Cuckoo.

The species are  found widely distributed across India mainly towards eastern parts.. The preferred habitat is deciduous and evergreen forests but also occur in garden lands and thick scrub. While some are visited in India during monsoon like Eurasian Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) [ refer 3] . these birds lays its single egg mostly in the nests of Drongos and Crows. they removes and eats an egg from the host nest before laying its own. 

In Kerala (India), Indian Cuckoo is called "Vishu Pakshi" (the Vishu bird) as it appears with its distinctive call around the Vishnu festival time in April. (Refer 3,4 &5  for Cuculus  genus members)

4.  Cacomantis  : (Bay Cuckoo & Plaintive Cuckoo) : 3 species 

The genus name is derived from the Greek kakos meaning evil or ill-boding and mantis for prophet and is derived from their association with "rains" being supposed to be predict ill fortune and bad weather. 

Most of them have a round nostril and are mainly in brown and grey colors. The tails are graduated and barred.  Incase of Banded Bay Cuckoo (Refer 11)The bars are transverse in and oblique in all others. In some cases  The adult female is  similar to the male but often occurs in a "hepatic" morph. This form is reddish-brown above with dark bars.

like other cuckoos  they are also  brood-parasitic and hosts recorded include the Common Iora, Bulbul, Minivet and small babblers. The eggs resemble those of the hosts.

Populations are either Residential  or partially migratory. In India, they are found mainly during the monsoons. Grey Bellied Cuckoo(Cacomantis passerinus) [refer 12] is quite widespread in Indian subcontinent while other 2 species i.e Banded Bay Cuckoo (Cacomantis sonneratii) and Plaintive Cuckoo ( Cacomatis merulinus) are mainly found in eastern parts of India.

5. Chrysococcyx : ( Asian Emerald Cuckoo and Violet Cuckoo) : 2 species 

This very unique genus and it has  is  the smallest parasitic cuckoos in India.  The generic name, Chrysococcyx, is a combination of two words: the Greek word chrusos = gold, any golden or shiny item , an obvious reference to the bird's shiny metallic plumage, and a Latin word coccyx, derived from a Greek word kokkux (or kokkyx), an onomatopoeic name for a cuckoo, based on the bird's call.

These birds sometimes also referred as 'Jewel Birds' due to their shining colors. In India there are 2 species and both are summer & monsoon visitor to north eastern parts.These birds are also brood parasite. (refer 1 & 2). The Violet Cuckoo, true to its name, was a striking hue of violet, especially under good light that got reflected off its plumage. During good lighting condition, it was conspicuous even when framed within the maze of haphazard stems. Shaded away from light, the plumage turns dark and it will be much more difficult to spot.  

Violet Cuckoo was impressive in catching caterpillars. It had a different technique for processing the prey before consumption. Instead of the usual bashing and thrashing of preys on a perch that was commonly used by other species, its method was to swing the prey in mid air

( For more details see this link www.besgroup.org)

6. Eudynamys : (Asian Koel) : 1 Species

Eudynamys genus consist of True Koel. These bird are large, with strong beak and tail. They are sexually dimorphic and mainly fruigivores. These birds are broodparasits and mainly lay eggs in Crows or Drongo nest. Asian Koel is only species found under this genus. In world 5 races of this bird usually found. In India Eudynamys scolopaceous scolopaceous is commonly found. The binomial nomenclature of this species is quite interesting. 

The generic name derives from a Greek word: Dynamene, a mythical Nereid of the sea's "power", a derivative of which, dunamis = power or might, combined with the prefix eu = good, well or normal, results in Eudynamys = good or strong Dynamene. True cuckoos of genus Cuculus have comparatively weak bills and legs. The Koel differs in that it has a more powerful bill and particularly strong tarsi and feet (Long 1833).

The origin of its binomial remains unclear. It derives from the Latin scolopax, from the Greek skolopakos = woodcock. The addition of a suffix, -acea or -aceus, leads to scolopaceous = snipe-like or scolopacine = belonging to snipe family of birds. In Modern Latin, scolopaceus = snipe-like, i.e. stripe-backed or long-billed. Since the Koel does not have a long snipe-like bill, the name could possibly be a reference to the female's cryptic striped coloration.

7. Phaenicophaeus : (  Red Faced Malkoha ): 1 species

Malkohas are large birds in the cuckoo family Cuculidae, all in the genus Phaenicophaeus. The group name is derived from the Sinhala word for the Red Face Malkoha ; Mal-Koha meaning flower-cuckoo. The genus name is derived from the ancient Greek phoiniko- "crimson", and phaes "eyes" or "face",referring to the Red-faced Malkoha. However, the 'œ' was mistranscribed as 'æ'

Red Faced Malkoha which is endemic to Sri Lanka. This is  a bird of dense forests, where it can be difficult to see despite its size and color.The Red-faced Malkoha takes a variety of insects including caterpillars, giant stick insects, mantises and small vertebrates such as lizard. It nests in a tree, the typical clutch being 2-3 eggs

8. Rhopodytes: ( Blue Faced Malkoha & other) : 2 species

Members of the genus Rhopodytes (often placed in Phaenicophaeus). Malkohas are noted for having a long tail, a stout bill with bristly base, and bare skin around the eyes. They are forest birds that move in a squirrel like manner along branches in thick vegetation. 

Out of 2 species,  Blue Faced Malkoha are mainly arboreal species while Sirkeer Malkoha show typical behavior like Coucal or Crow Pheasants( which are also part of cuckoo family). These birds are however non brood parasitic and prefers open or scrub forest.  All Malkoha's  make their saucer shape nest with twigs and grass or tree leaves  on trees. Their diet consist of variety of insects , small vertebrates etc.  Clutch size is 2-3. 

8. Centropus : (Coucal): 4 species 

The genus Centropus generally put under family Centropodiade. As per the evolution history these are also forms of Cuckoo so the exact taxonomic position is debatable. 

In India, Coucals has a wide distribution range that overlaps with several other similar species. The habitat in which it is found is often marshy land with grass and tree cover. It is distinguished by its smaller size, less prominent bill, pale shaft streaks on the feathers of the head and back. It has a much longer claw on its hind toe and a distinct call. It is also among the few coucals that show season plumage differences but like in other coucals, the sexes cannot be distinguished in the field.

Coucals have  reversed sexual size dimorphism, females being larger than males in all 12 species for which size data are available while Males perform most nest building, incubation, and feeding of young. These are monogamous nesting cuckoos.

 9.  Surniculus: (Drongo Cuckoo) : 1 species

The Asian Drongo-Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris is a species of cuckoo that resembles a Black Drongo. It is found in the Indian Subcontinent  and Southeast Asia. It can be easily distinguished by its straight beak and the white barred vent. It is a brood parasite  on small babbler. It is not known how or whether the drongo-like appearance benefits this species but it is suspected that it aids in brood-parasitism just as hawk-cuckoos appear like hawks

(Refer 10)

source: wiki/Asian_Drongo-Cuckoo

Most species of cuckoo are sedentary, but some undertake regular seasonal migration and others undertake partial migrations over part of their range. The migration is either Diurnal or nocturnal.Species breeding at higher latitudes migrate to warmer climates during the winter due to food availability. 

Field Identification of Bushlarks(Genus: Mirafra)

The genus Mirafra contains the Bush-Larks, which are found in well-wooded districts. They frequently perch on bushes and low trees and they take short flights in the air. Their song is pleasant but weak. 

In Mirafra the bill is thick and short and the nostrils are quite exposed to view ; there are ten primaries in the wing, the first of which is about a half or a third the length of the second ; the hind claw is much longer than the hind toe and gently curved.

Larks From Genus: Mirafra  (Souce: Birds Of India, Krys Kazmierczak)

1. Singing Bushlark (Mirafra cantillans) 14cm

 In general looks similar to other bush lark but it has longer tail than other Mirafra members and slim build. The bill is smaller & less curvy. Very fine breast streaking, often confined to the side of breast. Breast buff-coloured, but whitish throat and upper breast distinct, especially when singing (not rich fulvous as in M. Assamica). The call is sharp and high pitch.

2.Indian Bushlark (Mirafra erythroptera) 14cm

As its species name indicate ‘erythroptera’ i.e red winged. It has prominent rufous color primaries than other bush larks. This bird has cheek patch completely bounded by white supercilium and post auricular border. Crown and upper parts heavily streaked. Pale underparts have large spots on the breast while belly has very less or no streaks. 

The Bengal Bush Lark was earlier classified into several races, the Bengal race assamica and the Madras race affinis. These were subsequently split, on the basis of diagnostic song and display characters, into the Jerdon's Bush Lark (Mirafra affinis) and Bengal Bushlark (M.assamica) in the strict sense. 

For more details please see link  Alstrom-Mirafra.pdf

3. Bengal Bushlark  (Mirafra assamica)

Crown& Nape has Brownish-grey and indistinctly streaked. Supercilium relatively indistinct. Ear coverts are brownish and poorly patterned. Rufous buff on under parts, with grey-brown or black diffused streaks on breast.

4.Jerdon’s Bushlark  (Mirafra affinis)

Crown & nape Brownish-buff or rufescent grey-brown, Prominent blackish- Brown streaks. At side of nape, a distinct yellow band is seen. Supercilium is relatively narrow and usually more buffish in front of eye.Ear coverts are pale grey brown with more dark streaks. Forming dark rear borders Underparts are paler and have strong, large streaks on breast often contrasting with under parts.

The differences within the genus Mirafra are often very subtle and confusing with many differences apparent only when specimens are examined in hand. Still this is small effort to enjoy field identification of Bushlarks.

HOW TO ENJOY BIRD NEST STUDY OR PHOTOGRAPHY IN CONSERVATIVE MANNER

     Now the monsoon season has begun in Indian Subcontinent and many birds are busy in their breeding activities. This season is always the feast for any wildlife photographer or birdwatcher to observe bird’s nesting or breeding behavior.  From last few years there has been a debate going on topic ‘whether the Nest photography is justified or not?’ Many experience naturalist and wildlife photographer has already declared the ban on publishing nest pictures/photos on many Social Media sites & Wildlife photo portals.  But still wildlife photographers published their bird nest photographs and debate continues again and again.

In today’s era the definition of photography has been changed drastically. With New advance SLR and Point & Shoot Cameras Wildlife photography is no more remains the niche segment. Every youngster somehow get attracted to this wildlife photography field & with course of time intentionally or unintentionally start exploiting wildlife while pursuing his/her interest.

This article doesn't justify or conclude the debate topic; rather it will explain you the right approach for enjoy nesting activities of the bird for the new birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

First remember this; birds are quite secretive about their nest location and their breeding activities. This is simply to avoid predator attentions and to provide the better environment for upbringing of young ones. Hence any disturbance in this process causes risk to their young ones.

So if you are interested in bird nest photography or study then please follow the simple guidelines below and I am sure you will experience the lifetime memories with birds.

1.       Research more about birds:  Before you step into the field please try to find more information about bird/s which you are going to photograph or observed.  You must be well aware about  following things

a.       Breeding season for bird/s

b.      Nesting type, preferred site (micro habitat), Location of nest i.e. on ground, in bush or on tree etc, breeding behavior and its breeding cycle. [ All this information you can gather via Internet. There are many research reports, videos and photographs available.]

2.       Understand limitations & Overcome them tactfully: Once you are well aware about bird/s then next step is understood the limitation associated with you goal. For e.g. there limitation like ‘distance between you and bird nest.’  For ground birds it will be easy approach but for birds that nests at tree top then it’s become quite difficult.  So to overcome them you need to develop ‘HIDE’ through which you can observe bird without even being notice. Never approach Nest directly.

Hide prepared using natural material

Artificial Hide

3.       Be a part of nesting activity not the disturbance: Many bird photographers and bird watcher always act like disturbance for the birds. Nowadays ‘Coffee & Sandwich’ concept on field is very much prevailing. Remember our every action is get noticed by birds and they react to it different ways. So try to avoid luxuries bird watching or photography and develop 2 simple qualities in yourself ‘Patience and adaption with natural environment’ also avoid flash while taking photographs of Birds especially with Owls, Night jars etc. Try to become part of nature and nesting activities you will surely notice many small things and this will take your experience to next level.

4.       Try to conserve not to exploit: Many times photographers or birdwatcher transferred the information about the nest to their friends so that their friends can also get the same experience. In my opinion this is not the wrong practice but when you convey such information please remember that you are transferring the guardianship or safeguard responsibility of that nest to your friend. Hence it has to be given to person who must be conservation rather than exploitation oriented. So convey information wisely.

Bird Conservation Plan Framework

These are 4 basic steps one need to follow while doing nest study or nest photography. As Newton 3^rd law says’ Every action has its equal reaction’ so make sure that your every action while bird nest study or photography is always with best intention to respect their privacy and natural process associated with it.

SARUS CRANE (Grus antigone antigone)

NOTES ON SARUS CRANE ( Grus antigone antigone) 

The Sarus Crane ( Grus antigone antigone) is basically a wetland bird and widely distributed in India. The Sarus Crane has 3 disjunct populations in the Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia and northern Australia. The nominate race (c. 8,000 to 10,000 birds)  inhabits Pakistan, northern and central India, and Nepal, with occasional  vagrants in Bangladesh. Subspecies sharpii occurs in South-East Asia where its  range has declined dramatically and it is now confined to Cambodia, extreme  southern Laos, south Vietnam (c.800-1,000 birds between these three countries),  and Myanmar (c.500-800 birds). The Australian population gilliae is estimated  at less than 10,000 individuals. It is extinct in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines  and probably China. 

Description: The adult Sarus Crane is very large with grey wings and body; a bare red head and part of the upper neck; a greyish crown; and a long greenish-grey pointed Bill. In flight, the long neck is held straight, unlike that of an heron, which folds it back, and the black wing tips can be seen; the crane's long pink legs trail behind them. This bird has a grey ear covert patch, an orange-red iris and a greenish-grey bill. Juveniles have a yellowish base to the bill and the brown-grey head is fully feathered.

Measurements
G. a. antigone
Culmen 172–182 mm (6.8–7.2 in) ? Wing 670–685 mm (26.4–27.0 in) 625–645 mm (24.6–25.4 in) Tail 255–263 mm (10.0–10.4 in) ? Tarsus 310–355 mm (12.2–14.0 in) ?
Combined
Culmen 156–187 mm (6.1–7.4 in) 155–169 mm (6.1–6.7 in) Wing 514–675 mm (20.2–26.6 in) 557–671 mm (21.9–26.4 in) Tail 150–200 mm (5.9–7.9 in) 100–200 mm (3.9–7.9 in) Tarsus 269–352 mm (10.6–13.9 in) 272–350 mm (10.7–13.8 in) Weight 8.4 kg (19 lb)

The bare red skin of the adult's head and neck is brighter during the breeding season. This skin is rough and covered by papillae, and a narrow area around and behind the head is covered by black bristly feathers. 

The sexes do not differ in plumage although males are on average larger than females; male Sarus of the Indian population can attain a maximum height of about 180 cm (5.9 ft) making them the world's tallest extant flying bird. 

Habitat: It inhabits wet and dry grasslands, agricultural fields, marshes and pools, either  open or enclosed by forest. It prefers a mixture of flooded, partially flooded and dry ground for foraging, roosting and nesting. In the Indian subcontinent, populations make seasonal movements in response to monsoons and droughts

Food: Sarus Cranes forage in shallow water,  fields, frequently probing in mud with their long bills. They are omnivorous, eating insects (especially grasshoppers), aquatic plants,frogs, crustaceans and seeds. Sarus Cranes may in rare cases feed on the eggs of birds and turtles. Plant matter eaten includes tubers, corms of aquatic plants, grass shoots as well as seeds and grains from cultivated crops such as groundnuts and cereal crops such as rice.

Breeding Behavior:

NESTING DETAILS:

Nest Site Selection:  The Sarus Crane generally nested in Marshy areas land but due to depletion of such areas Sarus also nested in  agricultural marshlands such as paddy fields. Sarus pair select a elevated area in marshy area which is surrounded by water completely. On such area they build nest platform using surrounding vegetation. 

Sarus Crane generally show strong attachment to previous year nest site even when previous clutch size get destroyed. So less nest site fidelity.

Nest:  The Nest building activity generally started  just 2-3 days prior to egg laying. Both partners actively engaged in nest building. Nest is platform which is generally oval in shape and partially submerged in water. In the central part, little depression is made and it filed with soft green material. this addition of green material continuously going on through out incubation period. This addition is also known  as 'Amendment activity'.

    If there any changes happens in water level then pair immediately adds vegetation to nest platform and increased the level. Even when chick is present in nest, amendment activity was observed. when eggs are present in nest the incubating bird periodically stood up on the nest for egg rolling and also performed amendment activities.

Eggs:  Generally white colour with shades of creamy yellow and Pinkish or light blue pigmentation. They are long oval shape with mean length 10 cm and mean width 6.5 cm, weighted  200 gm  approx. The clutch size is generally 2 in some case 3 is also recorded. 

Incubation & Parental care : The incubation period is of 30-40 days and when chicks come out the egg, the eggshells are removed by the parents after the hatch either by carrying away the fragments or by swallowing them. The chicks are fed by the parents for the first few days, but are able to feed independently after that and follow their parents for food. When alarmed, the parent cranes use a low korr-rr call that signals chicks to freeze and lie still.  Young birds stay with their parents for more than three months.

Approximately 30% of all breeding pairs succeed in raising chicks in any year, and most of the successful pairs raise one or two chicks each, with brood sizes of three being relatively rare.

CURRENT STATUS &  POSSIBLE THREATS:

There were about an estimated 15–20,000 mature Sarus Cranes left in the wild in 2009.The Indian population is less than 10,000, but of the three subspecies, is the healthiest in terms of numbers. They are considered sacred and the birds are traditionally left unharmed, and in many areas they are unafraid of humans. Many farmers in India believe that these cranes damage standing crops, particularly rice, although studies show that direct feeding on rice grains resulted in losses amounting to less than one percent and trampling could account for grain loss of about 0.4–15 kilograms (0.88–33 lb).

The Sarus Crane is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Threats include habitat destruction and/or degradation, hunting and collecting, as well as environmental pollution and possibly diseases or competing species.

BLOG INTRODUCTION

' Birds means freedom and joy'

In my childhood my parents used to show me HOUSE CROW and HOUSE SPARROW, soon they introduced me to MYNA, PARAKEET & EGRETS and then everything changed. Every new bird in my life made me more curious about birds and their life cycle. At my 10th birthday I got my first bird book and  soon pair of binoculars.In my school days I wasn't aware about science of bird watching, identification methods or any techniques but I used to like watching birds through binoculars and with little efforts I started identifying them with my small bird book or field guide. 

I used to amaze how these creature have so beautiful body shapes, colour and calls? Slowly I started observing their food habits and Nests and my curiosity goes on toss every time. I was My first birdwatching trip was at Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary -Karnataka(India) where I introduced whole new world of birds. Sunbirds, Minivets, woodpeckers, Eagles and many more birds literally made me crazy about birds and that was a moment where birds started becoming my passion. Soon I met my  Mentor or Guide Dr. Pramod Bansode and my journey of birdwatching begun. From last  12 years I am watching these beautiful creatures and till now I am as crazy as 12 years before.

In this blog I am going to share my field experience and bird identification tips with you all. Hope you will like it.