Javan Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo
Centropus nigrorufus compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Javan Coucal | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus nigrorufus | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.3 cm (16.3 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 244.4 g (8.62 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-3 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Javan Coucal
Loud, far-carrying melodic call; clear resonant notes given repeatedly from dense forest in Southeast Asia.
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
Javan Coucal
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Javan 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
Javan Coucal
Javan Coucal (Centropus nigrorufus) — 40–44 cm. Rufous-chestnut wings; black head and underparts; long tail. Endemic to Java, Indonesia, in lowland forest, dense scrub, and wetland edges. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Vulnerable; severely threatened by Java's extreme habitat loss.
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.