Biak Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo
Centropus chalybeus compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Biak Coucal | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus chalybeus | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.1 cm (15.4 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 244.4 g (8.62 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Biak Coucal
Deep, booming resonant call; powerful low notes carrying impressively across African lowland forest floor.
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
Biak Coucal
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Biak 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
Biak Coucal
Biak Coucal (Centropus chalybeus) — 42–48 cm. Glossy blue-black above; chestnut-rufous wings; pale buff underparts; heavy bill. Endemic to Biak Island, Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Inhabits lowland and foothill forest. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Listed as Vulnerable due to its very restricted island range and ongoing habitat degradation.
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.