Kai Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo

Centropus spilopterus compared with Cuculus micropterus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Kai Coucal Indian Cuckoo
Scientific Name Centropus spilopterus Cuculus micropterus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 46.6 cm (18.3 in) 39.3 cm (15.5 in)
Weight 244.4 g (8.62 oz) 120.5 g (4.25 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Kai Coucal only

Indian Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Kai Coucal

Song

Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep hollow notes given repeatedly from tropical forest perch. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

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

Kai Coucal

Least Concern

Indian Cuckoo

How to Tell Them Apart

Kai 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

Kai Coucal

Kai Coucal (Centropus spilopterus) — 42–46 cm. Chestnut-rufous with spotted wing coverts; black head and tail; heavy bill. Endemic to the Kai Islands, Indonesia. Inhabits forest and dense scrub. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Poorly known due to its remote island range.

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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