Kai Coucal vs Lesser Roadrunner

Centropus spilopterus compared with Geococcyx velox

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Kai Coucal Lesser Roadrunner
Scientific Name Centropus spilopterus Geococcyx velox
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 46.6 cm (18.3 in) 28.3 cm (11.1 in)
Weight 244.4 g (8.62 oz) 184.1 g (6.49 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 2-3
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Kai Coucal only

Lesser Roadrunner 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.

Lesser Roadrunner

Song

Loud, call carrying far; distinctive hollow notes audible across dry open Central American terrain. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Kai Coucal

Least Concern

Lesser Roadrunner

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.

Lesser Roadrunner

Lesser Roadrunner (Geococcyx velox) — 46–52 cm. Similar to Greater Roadrunner but smaller with a more streaked breast. Found in dry scrub, open woodland, and arid valleys from Mexico to Nicaragua. Non-parasitic; carnivorous; eats insects and small vertebrates. Shares the same terrestrial running lifestyle as its northern relative.

More Birds to Explore

Explore the Nature FYI Family