Indian Cuckoo vs Eastern Koel
Cuculus micropterus compared with Eudynamys orientalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Eastern Koel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Eudynamys orientalis |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 42.0 cm (16.5 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 239.33333333333334 g (8.44 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 1 |
| 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.
Eastern Koel
Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep musical notes audible through dense tropical forest in Sumatra.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Eastern Koel
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
Eastern Koel
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.
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.