Senegal Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo

Centropus senegalensis compared with Cuculus micropterus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Senegal Coucal Indian Cuckoo
Scientific Name Centropus senegalensis Cuculus micropterus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 33.2 cm (13.1 in) 39.3 cm (15.5 in)
Weight 164.83333333333334 g (5.81 oz) 120.5 g (4.25 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2-5 --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Senegal Coucal only

None

Indian Cuckoo only

Song & Call Comparison

Senegal Coucal

Song

Deep, hollow resonant booming call; powerful low-frequency sound carrying far through lowland dense forest.

Indian Cuckoo

Song

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

Least Concern

Senegal Coucal

Least Concern

Indian Cuckoo

How to Tell Them Apart

Senegal Coucal

Indian Cuckoo

Plumage

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

Senegal Coucal

Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis) — 38–42 cm. Chestnut back; black head and tail; white underparts; red eye. Widespread in Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Zambia; inhabits grassland, scrub, and forest edge. Non-parasitic. Omnivore; frequently seen perching openly and flushing through tall grass.

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.

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