Cocos Cuckoo vs Western Koel
Coccyzus ferrugineus compared with Eudynamys scolopaceus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Cocos Cuckoo | Western Koel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coccyzus ferrugineus | Eudynamys scolopaceus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 25.9 cm (10.2 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 70.0 g (2.47 oz) | 230.0 g (8.11 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-2 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Cocos Cuckoo
Loud, resonant melodic call; rich notes building in musical sequence through dense tropical 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
Cocos Cuckoo
Western Koel
How to Tell Them Apart
Cocos Cuckoo
Black-bellied Cuckoo: rufous above; black belly; white throat; red orbital ring; long rufous tail; yellow-green bill; neotropical
Western Koel
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
About These Birds
Cocos Cuckoo
Cocos Cuckoo (Coccyzus ferrugineus) — 31–35 cm. Richly rufous-brown above; cinnamon-buff below; graduated tail; yellow lower mandible. Endemic to Cocos Island, Costa Rica (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Non-parasitic. Insectivore. Vulnerable due to its extremely restricted range and introduced predators.
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.