Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo vs Western Koel
Chalcites basalis compared with Eudynamys scolopaceus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo | Western Koel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chalcites basalis | Eudynamys scolopaceus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 19.9 cm (7.8 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 24.2 g (0.85 oz) | 230.0 g (8.11 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh penetrating quality; rough notes carrying well through dense forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Western Koel
Loud, far-carrying nasal call; distinctive penetrating notes audible through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo
Western Koel
How to Tell Them Apart
Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo
Little Bronze-cuckoo (Minutillus alt): small; golden-bronze iridescence; white barred below; reddish eye; typical bronze cuckoo
Western Koel
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
About These Birds
Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo
Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo (Chalcites basalis) — 15–17 cm. Bronze-brown above with a green gloss; heavily barred white-and-brown below; indistinct supercilium. Widespread across Australia and New Guinea in woodland and scrub. Migratory. Brood parasite primarily targeting fairy-wrens. Insectivore.
Western Koel
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.