Indian Cuckoo vs Pheasant Cuckoo
Cuculus micropterus compared with Dromococcyx phasianellus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Pheasant Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Dromococcyx phasianellus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 32.6 cm (12.8 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 88.48333333333333 g (3.12 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Indian Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall dense forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Pheasant Cuckoo
Deep, guttural croaking call; resonant low notes carrying across open South American tropical forest edge.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Pheasant Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Indian Cuckoo
Indian Cuckoo: gray above; white below with bold dark barring; four-note call; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; common Asian species
Pheasant Cuckoo
About These Birds
Indian Cuckoo
Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) — 32–34 cm. Grey above; barred underparts; yellow orbital ring; broad dark subterminal tail band. Migratory; widespread from India through Southeast Asia and China to Korea and Japan. Brood parasite targeting drongos and other medium passerines. Insectivore. Famous four-note 'one more bottle' call.
Pheasant Cuckoo
Pheasant Cuckoo (Dromococcyx phasianellus) — 35–40 cm. Streaked brown; long graduated rufous tail barred black; pale buff below. Humid tropical forest from Mexico to Bolivia and Brazil. Brood parasite targeting antbirds and small passerines. Skulking; rarely observed despite its loud whistled song. Insectivore.