Sulawesi Cuckoo vs Eastern Koel

Cuculus crassirostris compared with Eudynamys orientalis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Sulawesi Cuckoo Eastern Koel
Scientific Name Cuculus crassirostris Eudynamys orientalis
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 41.2 cm (16.2 in) 42.0 cm (16.5 in)
Weight 85.0 g (3.00 oz) 239.33333333333334 g (8.44 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- 1
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Sulawesi Cuckoo only

None

Eastern Koel only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Sulawesi Cuckoo

Song

Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating notes carrying through dense forest in Asia. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Eastern Koel

Song

Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep musical notes audible through dense tropical forest in Sumatra.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Sulawesi Cuckoo

Least Concern

Eastern Koel

How to Tell Them Apart

Sulawesi Cuckoo

Plumage

Sulawesi Cuckoo: dark gray-brown above; pale below; long dark tail; yellow orbital ring; Sulawesi endemic; larger than most Cuculus

Eastern Koel

About These Birds

Sulawesi Cuckoo

Sulawesi Cuckoo (Cuculus crassirostris) — 30–34 cm. Dark grey above; pale below with bold brown-grey barring; heavier bill than most Cuculus. Endemic to Sulawesi in montane forest. Brood parasite. Insectivore. Poorly known.

Eastern Koel

Eastern Koel (Eudynamys orientalis) — 38–46 cm. Male glossy black; female brown with heavy spotting; pale green bill; red eye; long tail. Ranges across Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and Australia; migrates to Australia in spring. Brood parasite targeting magpies and friarbirds. Frugivore; disperses rainforest seeds.

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