Indian Cuckoo vs Black-bellied Malkoha
Cuculus micropterus compared with Phaenicophaeus diardi
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Black-bellied Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Phaenicophaeus diardi |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 25.4 cm (10.0 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 65.4 g (2.31 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.
Black-bellied Malkoha
Loud, melodic far-carrying call; rich resonant notes audible impressively through tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Black-bellied 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
Black-bellied 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.
Black-bellied Malkoha
Black-bellied Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus diardi) — 36–40 cm. Dark glossy green above; entirely black below; long tail; bare red orbital skin; green bill. Inhabits lowland and foothill forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Non-parasitic. Insectivore.