Indian Cuckoo vs Scale-feathered Malkoha
Cuculus micropterus compared with Lepidogrammus cumingi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Scale-feathered Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Lepidogrammus cumingi |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 31.6 cm (12.4 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 167.175 g (5.90 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| 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.
Scale-feathered Malkoha
Loud, far-carrying whistled call; pure melodic notes resonating through dense tropical forest canopy.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Scale-feathered Malkoha
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
Scale-feathered Malkoha
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.
Scale-feathered Malkoha
Scale-feathered Malkoha (Lepidogrammus cumingi) — 40–45 cm. Unique among malkohas for the male's scaly white-tipped breast feathers; green above; bare red orbital skin. Endemic to the Philippines (Luzon and nearby islands). Inhabits forest and scrub. Non-parasitic. Insectivore.