Andaman Coucal vs Greater Coucal
Centropus andamanensis compared with Centropus sinensis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Andaman Coucal | Greater Coucal |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus andamanensis | Centropus sinensis |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 34.5 cm (13.6 in) | 42.5 cm (16.7 in) |
| Weight | 199.0 g (7.02 oz) | 281.5 g (9.93 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Andaman Coucal only
None
Greater Coucal only
Song & Call Comparison
Andaman Coucal
Melodic, whistled phrase with clear quality; pure resonant notes carrying across African woodland habitat.
Greater Coucal
Loud, nasal call with carrying quality; distinctive resonant notes audible through dense Southeast Asian forest.
Conservation Status
Andaman Coucal
Greater Coucal
How to Tell Them Apart
Andaman Coucal
Chinese Coucal: dark brown above; rufous wings; pale buff below; long dark tail; red eye; streaked in winter plumage; Asian species
Greater Coucal
Short-toed Coucal (Philippine): shorter tail; dark brown above; rufous wings; buff below; dark streaks; red eye; Philippine species
About These Birds
Andaman Coucal
Andaman Coucal (Centropus andamanensis) — 42–47 cm. Chestnut back and wings; black head and underparts; long graduated tail. Endemic to the Andaman Islands, India, in forest and scrub. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Previously treated as a subspecies of Greater Coucal.
Greater Coucal
Greater Coucal (Centropus sinensis) — 47–52 cm. Large; chestnut wings; glossy black head, body, and long graduated tail; red eye. Widespread from Pakistan through South and Southeast Asia to China. Inhabits scrub, forest edge, gardens. Non-parasitic; builds a large domed nest. Omnivore; known as 'crow-pheasant' in South Asia.