Indian Cuckoo vs Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Cuculus micropterus compared with Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Chestnut-breasted Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Phaenicophaeus curvirostris |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 32.9 cm (13.0 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 151.525 g (5.34 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.
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Loud, far-carrying plaintive call; pure resonant notes carrying through open dry scrub habitat. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Chestnut-breasted 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
Chestnut-breasted 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.
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) — 44–50 cm. Dark green above; chestnut breast; whitish belly; decurved green bill; bare red orbital skin; long white-tipped tail. Widespread in lowland forest and mangroves from the Malay Peninsula to the Philippines. Non-parasitic. Insectivore; specialises in large caterpillars.