Asian Emerald Cuckoo vs Indian Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx maculatus compared with Cuculus micropterus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Asian Emerald Cuckoo Indian Cuckoo
Scientific Name Chrysococcyx maculatus Cuculus micropterus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 21.3 cm (8.4 in) 39.3 cm (15.5 in)
Weight 25.6 g (0.90 oz) 120.5 g (4.25 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Asian Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Indian Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Asian Emerald Cuckoo

Song

Loud, resonant braying call; far-carrying nasal notes audible across dense tropical forest canopy. 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

Asian Emerald Cuckoo

Least Concern

Indian Cuckoo

How to Tell Them Apart

Asian Emerald 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

Asian Emerald Cuckoo

Asian Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx maculatus) — 17–18 cm. Male: brilliant iridescent green above; barred green-and-white below; red-based bill. Female: green above; rufous-barred underparts. Inhabits forest and forest edge from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia and China; wintering south to Sumatra. Brood parasite. 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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