Rufous Coucal vs Indian Cuckoo
Centropus unirufus compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Rufous Coucal | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus unirufus | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 33.5 cm (13.2 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 178.4 g (6.29 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Rufous Coucal
Loud, far-carrying call with resonant quality; deep notes given repeatedly from tall African forest canopy.
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
Rufous Coucal
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Rufous 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
Rufous Coucal
Rufous Coucal (Centropus unirufus) — 40–45 cm. Entirely bright rufous-chestnut above and below; stout black bill; red eye. Endemic to Luzon, Philippines, in primary and secondary forest and scrub. Non-parasitic; nests in low dense vegetation. Omnivore feeding on large insects, small lizards, frogs, and berries.
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.