Black-eared Cuckoo vs Western Koel
Chalcites osculans compared with Eudynamys scolopaceus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Black-eared Cuckoo | Western Koel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chalcites osculans | Eudynamys scolopaceus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 23.0 cm (9.1 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 32.0 g (1.13 oz) | 230.0 g (8.11 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Black-eared Cuckoo
Deep, resonant call with hollow quality; powerful low notes carrying through dense forest in Asia. 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
Black-eared Cuckoo
Western Koel
How to Tell Them Apart
Black-eared Cuckoo
Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo (alt): bronze-green above; narrow white bars below; incomplete barring; reddish eye; typical Australian
Western Koel
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
About These Birds
Black-eared Cuckoo
Black-eared Cuckoo (Chalcites osculans) — 18–20 cm. Brown above with bronzy wash; distinctive black ear-patch; pale buff underparts with faint barring; white supercilium. Inhabits arid and semi-arid scrubland and mulga of inland Australia. Brood parasite targeting speckled warblers and other scrub-dwelling hosts. 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.