- Hypsipetes leucocephalus
Identification
24-25cm. Slate grey to shimmering black, depending on the race; red beak, legs, and feet, head has a black fluffy crest, a long tail. Sexes similar; young birds lack the crest, whitish underparts, grey breast band, and brown tint to the upperparts.
Distribution
Madagascar and the islands of the Indian Ocean into tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to southern China.
Taxonomy
It has been split into 2 species
- Hypsipetes leucocephalus
- Hypsipetes ganeesa
Habitat
Broad-leaved forests and cultivation.
Behaviour
The diet includes seeds, insects and berries.
It builds its nest in a tree or bush; 2-4 eggs are laid.
