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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Malagasy Coucal
Song
Melodic, beautiful descending phrase; clear flute-like notes with cascading richness, characteristic of Malagasy coua.
Western Koel
Song
Loud, far-carrying nasal call; distinctive penetrating notes audible through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Least Concern
Malagasy Coucal
Least Concern
Western Koel
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Malagasy Coucal
Plumage
Sulawesi Coucal: dark glossy brown above; rufous wings; pale buff below; long dark tail; red eye; Sulawesi island endemic coucal
Western Koel
Plumage
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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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.
Western Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) — 39–46 cm. Male glossy black; female brown with white spots and barred underparts; red eye. Widespread from South Asia through mainland Southeast Asia. Brood parasite targeting crows and mynas. Frugivore and insectivore. Its rising wailing call heralds the Indian summer.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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