Malagasy Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo
Centropus toulou compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Malagasy Coucal | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus toulou | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 31.1 cm (12.2 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 154.5 g (5.45 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Malagasy Coucal
Melodic, beautiful descending phrase; clear flute-like notes with cascading richness, characteristic of Malagasy coua.
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
Malagasy Coucal
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Malagasy 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
Malagasy Coucal
Malagasy Coucal (Centropus toulou) — 38–44 cm. Rufous-chestnut above; black head and underparts; long tail. Endemic to Madagascar in forest edge, secondary vegetation, and wetland margins. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Two subspecies; common throughout the island.
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.