Violet Cuckoo

The violet cuckoo is found from north-eastern India to South-east Asia, the Greater Sundas, Palawan and the Philippines. It occurs from the lowlands up to 1,500m but mainly below 700m. The tail is blackish with a white tip and barred outer feathers, the belly is white with broad black, green or violet bars, and mature males have a red eye-ring. Its close relative has a glossy blue-violet throat patch rather than this species' reddish-violet one (Wikipedia, general species account).

Southern populations are resident, while northern populations in places such as Assam and Bangladesh appear to be migratory. Like other cuckoos it is a brood parasite, and after mating the females become secretive as they look for nests. It is insectivorous but also eats fruit, and males are active and vocal in the breeding season (Wikipedia, general species account).