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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Black-billed Cuckoo
Song
Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep notes audible across dense forest in Asia. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Western Koel
Song
Loud, far-carrying nasal call; distinctive penetrating notes audible through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Least Concern
Black-billed Cuckoo
Least Concern
Western Koel
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Black-billed Cuckoo
Plumage
Gray-capped Cuckoo: gray cap; brown above; pale below; graduated dark tail; South American species; forest cuckoo
Western Koel
Plumage
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) — 26–31 cm. Brown above; white below; all-dark bill; narrow red orbital ring; tail with small white spots. Migratory breeder in eastern North America; winters in South America. Non-parasitic. Insectivore specialising in tent caterpillars and other hairy larvae.
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.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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