Goliath Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo
Centropus goliath compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Goliath Coucal | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus goliath | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 53.8 cm (21.2 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 509.0 g (17.95 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Goliath Coucal
Loud, far-carrying coo with resonant quality; deep notes building in dramatic sequence from forest perch.
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
Goliath Coucal
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Goliath 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
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.
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.