Black Coucal vs Sulawesi Cuckoo
Centropus grillii compared with Cuculus crassirostris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Black Coucal | Sulawesi Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus grillii | Cuculus crassirostris |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 32.0 cm (12.6 in) | 41.2 cm (16.2 in) |
| Weight | 117.66666666666667 g (4.15 oz) | 85.0 g (3.00 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-6 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Black Coucal
Melodic, flute-like phrase with musical quality; clear rich notes cascading pleasantly from Madagascar forest.
Sulawesi Cuckoo
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
Black Coucal
Sulawesi Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Black Coucal
Sulawesi Cuckoo
Sulawesi Cuckoo: dark gray-brown above; pale below; long dark tail; yellow orbital ring; Sulawesi endemic; larger than most Cuculus
About These Birds
Black Coucal
Black Coucal (Centropus grillii) — 30–35 cm. Entirely glossy black with chestnut wings in breeding plumage; non-breeding birds streaked brown. Found in tall grass and reed beds across sub-Saharan Africa. Non-parasitic; notable for reverse sex roles — female larger, male incubates and raises young. Insectivore.
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.