Indian Cuckoo vs Dwarf Koel
Cuculus micropterus compared with Microdynamis parva
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Dwarf Koel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Microdynamis parva |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 49.075 g (1.73 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.
Dwarf Koel
Loud, nasal call with carrying quality; distinctive resonant notes given from forest canopy in Asia.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Dwarf Koel
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
Dwarf Koel
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.
Dwarf Koel
Dwarf Koel (Microdynamis parva) — 20–24 cm. Tiny koel; male blackish; female brown with white spots; short tail; small curved bill. Inhabits primary lowland forest of New Guinea. Brood parasite; host species poorly documented. Insectivore and frugivore. Rare and little studied.