Kannur: Most people have heard of the ‘Vishupakshi’ from film songs. This is one bird which has been mentioned many times by poets and film lyricists. Many people have doubts whether this bird actually exists or is just a figment of creative imagination. However, Kasaragod deputy range forest officer K.E Bijumon says that the bird is not mythical.

Weeks ago, he received multiple images of this bird from Kasaragod. The sound of this bird can be heard around Vishu time. This is why the bird was dubbed ‘Vishupakshi’. The sound of the bird has four refrains and sounds like ‘chakakupundo’ (does the jackfruit have salt).

There are many local names for this bird like Uttarayanakili, Kathirukanakili, Chakkakupundo kili, Achakompathu, etc. It is mostly found in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, northern part of China and Russia. The English name is Indian Cuckoo, scientific name- Cuculus micropterus. Male and female birds look almost identical. The neck of the female has a slightly duller gray colour than the male. There is more brown on the chest and tail. Spawning season is from April to August.