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.

More Birds to Explore