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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Andaman Coucal
Song
Melodic, whistled phrase with clear quality; pure resonant notes carrying across African woodland habitat.
Pied Coucal
Song
Loud, far-carrying cooing call; deep resonant notes given repeatedly from tall forest tree in Africa.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Least Concern
Andaman Coucal
Least Concern
Pied Coucal
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Andaman Coucal
Plumage
Chinese Coucal: dark brown above; rufous wings; pale buff below; long dark tail; red eye; streaked in winter plumage; Asian species
Pied Coucal
Plumage
Biak Coucal: dark brown above with iridescent gloss; rufous wings; pale buff below; long dark tail; red eye; Biak island endemic
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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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.
Pied Coucal (Centropus ateralbus) — 55–60 cm. Striking black-and-white coucal; glossy black wings and tail; pure white head, neck, and underparts. Restricted to New Britain and nearby islands (Papua New Guinea) in forest edge and secondary growth. Non-parasitic. Omnivore; hunts lizards, large insects, and small vertebrates. Status locally secure.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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