White-browed Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo
Centropus superciliosus compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | White-browed Coucal | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus superciliosus | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 31.6 cm (12.4 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 165.0 g (5.82 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-5 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
White-browed Coucal
Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep hollow notes audible far across dense humid tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
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
White-browed Coucal
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
White-browed 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
White-browed Coucal
White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus) — 36–42 cm. Chestnut back and wings; bold white supercilium; dark cap and tail; white underparts. Common across East and southern Africa in scrub, gardens, and woodland edges. Non-parasitic. Omnivore; loud bubbling call. Frequently seen in suburban areas.
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.