Sulawesi Cuckoo vs Northern Hawk-Cuckoo

Cuculus crassirostris compared with Hierococcyx hyperythrus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Sulawesi Cuckoo Northern Hawk-Cuckoo
Scientific Name Cuculus crassirostris Hierococcyx hyperythrus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 41.2 cm (16.2 in) 39.7 cm (15.6 in)
Weight 85.0 g (3.00 oz) 120.15 g (4.24 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Sulawesi Cuckoo only

None

Northern Hawk-Cuckoo 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.

Northern Hawk-Cuckoo

Song

Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating notes carrying through dense forest in Philippines.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Sulawesi Cuckoo

Least Concern

Northern Hawk-Cuckoo

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

Northern Hawk-Cuckoo

Plumage

Northern Hawk-Cuckoo: gray-brown above; white below with rufous streaking; hawk-like; long tail; yellow eye-ring; northern Asia

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.

Northern Hawk-Cuckoo

Northern Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx hyperythrus) — 29–32 cm. Grey above; rufous-orange breast graduating to barred belly; barred tail. Breeds in Russia and Korea; winters to Southeast Asia. Brood parasite targeting bush-warblers and flycatchers. Insectivore. Long-distance migrant.

More Birds to Explore

Explore the Nature FYI Family