Gray-bellied cuckoo
Ragihalli State Forest,Karnataka
Varthur lake,Karnataka
A very common cuckoo is found throughout Karnataka, but I am unfortunate not to encounter it very frequently. I mean, I could have had more records than I currently do. Anyway, it is a beautiful, greyish male bird with red eyes, mostly found in hilly jungles or near lakes because it primarily feeds on caterpillars found in such areas. It is usually identified by its distinct and loud calls echoing through its habitat.
I found this individual in the Varthur Lake area one casual morning while searching for a Red-throated Pipit. It caught a caterpillar and had it for breakfast. Don’t worry about camouflage, as they don’t rely on it and usually sit on an open perch. I have seen it in a few other lake areas and in the Bannerghatta area, always perched in open spaces.
