A Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis). Size 38 com (15 in). Glossy black
head, brown upperparts and wings marked with buff streaks, black tail and
underparts diagnostic. Bill and legs black. Iris black. Occurs in the Indian
subcontinent and southern China through South-East Asia and the Greater
Sundas east to the Moluccas. Resident in Pen. Malaysia from low elevations
to 1500 m south to Singapore. Found in grassland, scrub and reedbeds
foraging on the ground. Often makes short flights with much flapping and
gliding low over ground. In the morning it can be seen sunning itself on
bare branches or tall reeds with wings outstretched.