Goliath Coucal vs Sulawesi Cuckoo

Centropus goliath compared with Cuculus crassirostris

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Goliath Coucal Sulawesi Cuckoo
Scientific Name Centropus goliath Cuculus crassirostris
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 53.8 cm (21.2 in) 41.2 cm (16.2 in)
Weight 509.0 g (17.95 oz) 85.0 g (3.00 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Goliath Coucal only

None

Sulawesi Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Goliath Coucal

Song

Loud, far-carrying coo with resonant quality; deep notes building in dramatic sequence from forest perch.

Sulawesi Cuckoo

Song

Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating notes carrying through dense forest in Asia. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Goliath Coucal

Least Concern

Sulawesi Cuckoo

How to Tell Them Apart

Goliath Coucal

Sulawesi Cuckoo

Plumage

Sulawesi Cuckoo: dark gray-brown above; pale below; long dark tail; yellow orbital ring; Sulawesi endemic; larger than most Cuculus

About These Birds

Goliath Coucal

Goliath Coucal (Centropus goliath) — 65–75 cm. The largest coucal; all-dark with a massive decurved bill; faint bronze-green gloss; very long tail. Endemic to the Moluccas, Indonesia, in primary lowland forest. Non-parasitic. Omnivore; hunts large lizards, birds, frogs, and invertebrates.

Sulawesi Cuckoo

Sulawesi Cuckoo (Cuculus crassirostris) — 30–34 cm. Dark grey above; pale below with bold brown-grey barring; heavier bill than most Cuculus. Endemic to Sulawesi in montane forest. Brood parasite. Insectivore. Poorly known.

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