Andaman Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo

Centropus andamanensis compared with Cuculus micropterus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Andaman Coucal Indian Cuckoo
Scientific Name Centropus andamanensis Cuculus micropterus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 34.5 cm (13.6 in) 39.3 cm (15.5 in)
Weight 199.0 g (7.02 oz) 120.5 g (4.25 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-3 --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Andaman Coucal only

Indian Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Andaman Coucal

Song

Melodic, whistled phrase with clear quality; pure resonant notes carrying across African woodland habitat.

Indian Cuckoo

Song

Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall dense forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Andaman Coucal

Least Concern

Indian Cuckoo

How to Tell Them Apart

Andaman Coucal

Indian Cuckoo

Plumage

Indian Cuckoo: gray above; white below with bold dark barring; four-note call; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; common Asian species

About These Birds

Andaman Coucal

Andaman Coucal (Centropus andamanensis) — 42–47 cm. Chestnut back and wings; black head and underparts; long graduated tail. Endemic to the Andaman Islands, India, in forest and scrub. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Previously treated as a subspecies of Greater Coucal.

Indian Cuckoo

Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) — 32–34 cm. Grey above; barred underparts; yellow orbital ring; broad dark subterminal tail band. Migratory; widespread from India through Southeast Asia and China to Korea and Japan. Brood parasite targeting drongos and other medium passerines. Insectivore. Famous four-note 'one more bottle' call.

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