Indian Cuckoo vs Malay Hawk-Cuckoo
Cuculus micropterus compared with Hierococcyx fugax
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Malay Hawk-Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Hierococcyx fugax |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 35.0 cm (13.8 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 69.25 g (2.44 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.
Malay Hawk-Cuckoo
Loud, harsh raucous call; penetrating rough notes given from forest canopy in Southeast Asia. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Malay Hawk-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
Malay Hawk-Cuckoo
Malay Hawk-Cuckoo: gray-brown above; white below with rufous barring; hawk-like; long barred tail; yellow eye-ring; Malaysian species
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.
Malay Hawk-Cuckoo
Malay Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx fugax) — 28–32 cm. Brown-grey above; rufous breast band; whitish barred belly; barred tail; yellow orbital ring. Inhabits forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Brood parasite targeting flycatchers and babblers. Insectivore.