Indian Cuckoo vs Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo

Cuculus micropterus compared with Hierococcyx pectoralis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Indian Cuckoo Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo
Scientific Name Cuculus micropterus Hierococcyx pectoralis
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 39.3 cm (15.5 in) 34.2 cm (13.5 in)
Weight 120.5 g (4.25 oz) 78.25 g (2.76 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Indian Cuckoo only

None

Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Indian Cuckoo

Song

Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall dense forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo

Song

Loud, raucous call with penetrating quality; harsh notes carrying well through dense forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Indian Cuckoo

Least Concern

Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo

How to Tell Them Apart

Indian Cuckoo

Plumage

Indian Cuckoo: gray above; white below with bold dark barring; four-note call; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; common Asian species

Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo

Plumage

Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo: brown above; white below with bold dark barring; hawk-like; long barred tail; yellow eye-ring; Philippine

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.

Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo

Philippine Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx pectoralis) — 28–31 cm. Grey above; rufous breast; barred lower belly; hawk-like silhouette. Endemic to the Philippines in forest and forest edge. Brood parasite. Insectivore. Identified by its distinctive call.

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