Greater Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo
Centropus sinensis compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Greater Coucal | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus sinensis | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 42.5 cm (16.7 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 281.5 g (9.93 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Greater Coucal only
Indian Cuckoo only
None
Song & Call Comparison
Greater Coucal
Loud, nasal call with carrying quality; distinctive resonant notes audible through dense Southeast Asian forest.
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
Greater Coucal
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Greater 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
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.
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.