Green Cochoa

The green cochoa (Cochoa viridis) is a captivating bird, resplendent in its moss green plumage. The male is distinguished by a striking blue crown and similarly hued wings and tail, the latter featuring a pronounced black band. The female, while more subdued in coloration, exhibits a greenish body with a hint of rust on the wing coverts and a delicate blue edging on the outer webs of the secondaries and tertiaries. A white collar may grace the neck's sides in certain plumages, a feature once thought to denote a separate species.

Identification Tips

To identify the green cochoa, look for the male's blue crown and the black band on the tail. Females are identified by the rufous tinge on their wing panels and the narrow blue edging on their feathers. Juveniles can be recognized by the dark shaft streaks on their body feathers.

Habitat

This species thrives in the lush subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and the cooler climes of subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Distribution

The green cochoa's range extends across various Asian countries, including Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam, with potential sightings in Bhutan. Their presence in India during winter remains a mystery, as they are typically observed only in the summer months.

Behaviour

Often seen in pairs or small groups perched in tall trees, the green cochoa exhibits a preference for foraging close to the ground. Their diet consists of mollusks, insects, and berries, and they are known to perform aerial sallies to snatch insects from the air.

Song & Calls

The green cochoa's song is a delicate, high-pitched 'feeeee' that gently fades away. Their vocal repertoire also includes a short, high-pitched 'pok' and a variety of harsh notes.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in the summer, with nests resembling those of the purple cochoa and typically situated near water. Both parents share the responsibility of incubation.

Diet and Feeding

The green cochoa's diet is varied, including mollusks, insects, and berries, which they forage for primarily near the ground.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the green cochoa as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.