1132. Centropus andamanensis.
The Andaman Coucal.
Centropus andamanensis, Tytler, Beavan, Ibis, 1867, p. 321; Ball, S. F. i, p. 64; Hume, S. F. ii, p. 194. Centrococcyx andamanensis, Walden, Ibis, 1873, p. 305, pl. xi; Hume, Cat. no. 217 his; Oates in Hume's N. & E. 2nd ed. ii, p. 404.
Coloration. When freshly moulted, the head and neck, upper back, rump and lower parts throughout, including the under wing-coverts, are greyish brown; wings, scapulars, and a narrow band across the back between them deep bay; tips of quills infuscated ; tail dark greyish brown glossed with purple. The colours fade, the head and neck become light brown, almost buff, and the edges of the tail-feathers, especially towards the base; isabelline, whilst all gloss is lost. In some specimens, apparently young, traces of barring remain on the lower parts.
Bill black; irides crimson; legs and feet black.
Length about 19; tail 10; wing 6.5; tarsus 2.1; bill from gape 1.7.
Distribution. Only found in the Andaman Islands and Cocos.
Habits, &c. A forest bird fond of coming into gardens, and much resembling C. sinensis in its ways. It breeds about May and June; a nest was found by Captain Wimberley in a high tree, and contained two white eggs measuring about 1.32 by 1.12.
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