Indian Cuckoo vs Channel-billed Cuckoo
Cuculus micropterus compared with Scythrops novaehollandiae
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Channel-billed Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Scythrops novaehollandiae |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 67.8 cm (26.7 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 680.5 g (24.00 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 1-5 |
| 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.
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Loud, melodic call with musical quality; resonant notes building in pleasant sequence from forest perch.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Channel-billed 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
Channel-billed 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.
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novaehollandiae) — 58–65 cm; wingspan to 100 cm. The world's largest cuckoo; pale grey; enormous decurved horn-coloured bill; bare red orbital skin. Migratory; breeds in Australia and New Guinea; winters in Indonesia. Brood parasite targeting currawongs and magpies. Frugivore; disperses wild figs.