Klaas's Cuckoo vs Indian Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx klaas compared with Cuculus micropterus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Klaas's Cuckoo Indian Cuckoo
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx klaas Cuculus micropterus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 19.8 cm (7.8 in) 39.3 cm (15.5 in)
Weight 27.919999999999998 g (0.98 oz) 120.5 g (4.25 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-2 --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Klaas's Cuckoo only

None

Indian Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Klaas's Cuckoo

Song

Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating rough notes carrying well through dense forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Indian Cuckoo

Song

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

Least Concern

Klaas's Cuckoo

Least Concern

Indian Cuckoo

How to Tell Them Apart

Klaas's Cuckoo

Indian Cuckoo

Plumage

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

Klaas's Cuckoo

Klaas's Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas) — 17–18 cm. Male: plain iridescent green above; white below with faint green-grey barring on flanks; white behind eye. Female: barred green-brown and buff. Inhabits forest edge, woodland, and gardens across sub-Saharan Africa. Brood parasite targeting sunbirds and warblers. Insectivore.

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.

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