Giant Coua vs Indian Cuckoo
Coua gigas compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Giant Coua | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coua gigas | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 42.5 cm (16.7 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 430.0 g (15.17 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Giant Coua
Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; piercing rough notes carrying far through dense forest habitat.
Indian Cuckoo
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
Giant Coua
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Giant Coua
Indian Cuckoo
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
Giant Coua
Giant Coua (Coua gigas) — 58–62 cm. Largest coua; grey-brown above; vinous-buff below; bare blue orbital skin; massive heavy bill; long tail. Found in western dry deciduous forests of Madagascar. Non-parasitic; feeds on the ground and in trees. Omnivore; takes large invertebrates, lizards, and fruits. Declining due to forest loss.
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.