Diederik Cuckoo vs Western Koel
Chrysococcyx caprius compared with Eudynamys scolopaceus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Diederik Cuckoo | Western Koel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysococcyx caprius | Eudynamys scolopaceus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 22.7 cm (8.9 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 32.44 g (1.14 oz) | 230.0 g (8.11 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Diederik Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying call with resonant quality; deep hollow notes audible far 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
Diederik Cuckoo
Western Koel
How to Tell Them Apart
Diederik Cuckoo
Broad-billed Bronze-cuckoo: bronze-green above; broadly barred white below; wide complete bars; reddish eye; Australian species
Western Koel
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
About These Birds
Diederik Cuckoo
Diederik Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius) — 18–20 cm. Male: iridescent green with white spots; white eye-stripe; red eye; white below with green barring. Female: bronze-green with copper streaks. Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa in woodland and savanna. Brood parasite targeting weavers. Insectivore. Named for its 'dee-dee-dee-diederik' call.
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.