Sulawesi Cuckoo vs Long-tailed Koel

Cuculus crassirostris compared with Urodynamis taitensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Sulawesi Cuckoo Long-tailed Koel
Scientific Name Cuculus crassirostris Urodynamis taitensis
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 41.2 cm (16.2 in) 34.4 cm (13.5 in)
Weight 85.0 g (3.00 oz) 113.5 g (4.00 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Sulawesi Cuckoo only

None

Long-tailed 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.

Long-tailed Koel

Song

Deep, hollow resonant call; powerful low notes carrying through dense tropical forest in Southeast Asia.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Sulawesi Cuckoo

Least Concern

Long-tailed 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

Long-tailed 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.

Long-tailed Koel

Long-tailed Koel (Urodynamis taitensis) — 40–43 cm; tail up to 22 cm. Slender; brown above with white spots; pale underparts with brown streaking; very long pointed tail. Migrates from New Zealand and Pacific islands to Melanesia and Micronesia. Brood parasite targeting reed-warblers. Frugivore and insectivore.

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