Indian Cuckoo vs Raffles's Malkoha
Cuculus micropterus compared with Rhinortha chlorophaea
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Raffles's Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Rhinortha chlorophaea |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 23.6 cm (9.3 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 52.5 g (1.85 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.
Raffles's Malkoha
Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep powerful notes audible through dense forest in Southeast Asia.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Raffles's 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
Raffles's 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.
Raffles's Malkoha
Raffles's Malkoha (Rhinortha chlorophaea) — 30–35 cm. Slender; rufous above with green gloss; pale grey below; long white-tipped tail; red bill and orbital skin. Inhabits primary and tall secondary forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Non-parasitic; forages in the mid-storey. Insectivore; eats caterpillars and large insects.