Black-faced Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo
Centropus melanops compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Black-faced Coucal | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus melanops | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 31.8 cm (12.5 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 219.75 g (7.75 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Black-faced Coucal
Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; piercing notes carrying far across tall African forest habitat.
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
Black-faced Coucal
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Black-faced 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
Black-faced Coucal
Black-faced Coucal (Centropus melanops) — 38–44 cm. Chestnut-rufous wings and back; black head, face, and underparts; long tail. Endemic to the Philippines (Mindanao and satellite islands) in grassland, scrub, and forest edge. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Status considered Vulnerable due to rapid habitat conversion.
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.