Sulawesi Cuckoo vs Yellow-billed Malkoha

Cuculus crassirostris compared with Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Sulawesi Cuckoo Yellow-billed Malkoha
Scientific Name Cuculus crassirostris Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 41.2 cm (16.2 in) 35.2 cm (13.9 in)
Weight 85.0 g (3.00 oz) 117.0 g (4.13 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Sulawesi Cuckoo only

None

Yellow-billed Malkoha 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.

Yellow-billed Malkoha

Song

Loud, far-carrying plaintive whistle; pure melodic notes audible through open tropical scrub habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Sulawesi Cuckoo

Least Concern

Yellow-billed Malkoha

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

Yellow-billed Malkoha

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.

Yellow-billed Malkoha

Yellow-billed Malkoha (Rhamphococcyx calyorhynchus) — 45–50 cm. Bronze-green above; chestnut-red underparts; yellow bill; bare red orbital skin; long tail. Endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands in primary and secondary forest. Non-parasitic. Insectivore.

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