Pied Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo
Centropus ateralbus compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Pied Coucal | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus ateralbus | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 42.0 cm (16.5 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 336.75 g (11.88 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Pied Coucal
Loud, far-carrying cooing call; deep resonant notes given repeatedly from tall forest tree in Africa.
Indian Cuckoo
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
Pied Coucal
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Pied Coucal
Indian Cuckoo
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
Pied 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.
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.