Andaman Coucal vs Black Cuckoo
Centropus andamanensis compared with Cuculus clamosus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Andaman Coucal | Black Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus andamanensis | Cuculus clamosus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 34.5 cm (13.6 in) | 36.2 cm (14.3 in) |
| Weight | 199.0 g (7.02 oz) | 86.86666666666667 g (3.06 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Andaman Coucal
Melodic, whistled phrase with clear quality; pure resonant notes carrying across African woodland habitat.
Black Cuckoo
Loud, nasal call with bubbling quality; distinctive resonant notes carrying through dense African forest.
Conservation Status
Andaman Coucal
Black Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Andaman Coucal
Black Cuckoo
Black Cuckoo: all glossy black; red eye; occasionally rufous undertail; slender; long dark tail; sexually monomorphic dark plumage
About These Birds
Andaman Coucal
Andaman Coucal (Centropus andamanensis) — 42–47 cm. Chestnut back and wings; black head and underparts; long graduated tail. Endemic to the Andaman Islands, India, in forest and scrub. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Previously treated as a subspecies of Greater Coucal.
Black Cuckoo
Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus) — 28–32 cm. Entirely glossy black; slender build; long tail; slightly decurved bill. Inhabits forest, woodland, and dense savanna across sub-Saharan Africa. Brood parasite targeting bulbuls, shrikes, and other passerines. Insectivore; specialises in hairy caterpillars. Identified by its mournful 'I'm so sad' call.