Andaman Coucal vs Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Centropus andamanensis compared with Hierococcyx varius
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Andaman Coucal | Common Hawk-Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus andamanensis | Hierococcyx varius |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 34.5 cm (13.6 in) | 38.2 cm (15.0 in) |
| Weight | 199.0 g (7.02 oz) | 101.5 g (3.58 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Andaman Coucal
Melodic, whistled phrase with clear quality; pure resonant notes carrying across African woodland habitat.
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating far-carrying notes given from forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Andaman Coucal
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Andaman Coucal
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Common Hawk-Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; hawk-mimic; long barred tail; yellow eye-ring; brain-fever bird
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.
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) — 34–38 cm. Grey above; pale below with rufous streaking; hawk-like flight; barred tail. Widespread across the Indian subcontinent in forest, woodland, and plantation. Brood parasite targeting babblers. Insectivore. Its frantic rising call of 'brain-fever' is iconic in South Asian soundscapes.