Indian Cuckoo vs Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Cuculus micropterus compared with Surniculus lugubris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Surniculus lugubris |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 23.8 cm (9.4 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 31.65 g (1.12 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| 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.
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh penetrating quality; rough notes given from tall forest tree. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Square-tailed Drongo-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
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo: glossy black; square-cut tail; drongo mimic; pale tail tips; red eye; southeast Asian drongo mimic
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.
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) — 24–27 cm. Glossy blue-black overall; white vent barring; square-cut tail. Inhabits forest from the Himalayas through the Malay Peninsula to Borneo and the Philippines. Brood parasite mimicking drongos to penetrate nesting territories. Insectivore.