Indian Cuckoo vs Blue-faced Malkoha
Cuculus micropterus compared with Phaenicophaeus viridirostris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Blue-faced Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Phaenicophaeus viridirostris |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 27.2 cm (10.7 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 67.0 g (2.36 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.
Blue-faced Malkoha
Loud, raucous far-carrying call; harsh penetrating notes carrying well through dense forest habitat.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Blue-faced 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
Blue-faced 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.
Blue-faced Malkoha
Blue-faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus viridirostris) — 38–42 cm. Green and chestnut; vivid bare blue orbital skin; green bill. Inhabits dry scrub and forest edge across peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Non-parasitic; builds a small cup nest in dense scrub. Insectivore and frugivore.