Indian Cuckoo vs Common Squirrel-cuckoo
Cuculus micropterus compared with Piaya cayana
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Common Squirrel-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Piaya cayana |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 29.1 cm (11.5 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 103.85 g (3.66 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2 |
| 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.
Common Squirrel-cuckoo
Harsh, far-carrying call with raucous quality; loud rough notes carrying through dense tropical forest.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Common Squirrel-cuckoo
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
Common Squirrel-cuckoo
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.
Common Squirrel-cuckoo
Common Squirrel-cuckoo (Piaya cayana) — 40–50 cm. Brilliant rufous-chestnut above and on breast; grey belly; yellow-green bill; very long tail with bold black-and-white tips. Widespread in forest and forest edge from Mexico to Bolivia and Argentina. Non-parasitic. Insectivore; agile forager in tree canopy catching large insects and caterpillars.