Indian Cuckoo vs Large Hawk-Cuckoo
Cuculus micropterus compared with Hierococcyx sparverioides
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Large Hawk-Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Hierococcyx sparverioides |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 47.0 cm (18.5 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 144.75 g (5.11 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.
Large Hawk-Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying call; powerful resonant notes carrying across dense forest in South Asia. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Large 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
Large Hawk-Cuckoo
Large Hawk-Cuckoo: gray-brown above; white below with rufous streaking; hawk-like; long tail; yellow eye-ring; large size; streaked
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.
Large Hawk-Cuckoo
Large Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx sparverioides) — 38–42 cm. The largest hawk-cuckoo; grey above; whitish below with heavy rufous streaking; barred tail. Inhabits forest and forest edge from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia and China. Migratory. Brood parasite. Insectivore. Famous for its 'brain-fever' call accelerating to a frenzied pitch.