papihara / papiha | पपीहरा / पपीहा

Papiha (Devanagari: पपीहा; ISO 15919: papīhā) refers to the black cuckoo bird.

Characteristics This bird is known for not building its own nest. Instead, it lays its eggs in the nests of crows, leaving the mother crow to raise its offspring.

Literary Significance In Indian literature, its call is celebrated as sweet and soothing. However, the bird is simultaneously criticized for its deceptive nature in tricking crows into rearing its young.

Synonyms:

• Papihara (Devanagari: पपीहरा; ISO 15919: papīharā)
• Koyal (Devanagari: कोयल; ISO 15919: koyala)

Further Reading and Reference

• Related Concepts: chatak, chakora, hans
• Reference: Prema Rasa Madira - The Intoxicating Bliss of Divine Love, Vol. 3, Ch. 19