Jacobin Cuckoo vs Western Koel
Clamator jacobinus compared with Eudynamys scolopaceus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Jacobin Cuckoo | Western Koel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clamator jacobinus | Eudynamys scolopaceus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 29.0 cm (11.4 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 83.5 g (2.95 oz) | 230.0 g (8.11 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Jacobin Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying call with raucous quality; harsh penetrating notes given from tall canopy tree. 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
Jacobin Cuckoo
Western Koel
How to Tell Them Apart
Jacobin Cuckoo
Scale-feathered Malkoha: scaly dark green above; buff below; bare red orbital skin; long dark tail; scaled feather texture distinctive
Western Koel
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
About These Birds
Jacobin Cuckoo
Jacobin Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus) — 31–34 cm. Bold black-and-white; black crest; white underparts and wing patch; long tail. Widespread from Africa through the Indian subcontinent. Brood parasite targeting babblers. Migratory in part of its range. Insectivore. Known as 'Pied Crested Cuckoo'; its monsoon-season arrival in South Asia is celebrated.
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.