Indian Cuckoo vs Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Cuculus micropterus compared with Hierococcyx varius
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Common Hawk-Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Hierococcyx varius |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 38.2 cm (15.0 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 101.5 g (3.58 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2 |
| 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.
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating far-carrying notes given from forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Common 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
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Common Hawk-Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; hawk-mimic; long barred tail; yellow eye-ring; brain-fever bird
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.
Common Hawk-Cuckoo
Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius) — 34–38 cm. Grey above; pale below with rufous streaking; hawk-like flight; barred tail. Widespread across the Indian subcontinent in forest, woodland, and plantation. Brood parasite targeting babblers. Insectivore. Its frantic rising call of 'brain-fever' is iconic in South Asian soundscapes.