Indian Cuckoo vs Philippine Drongo-cuckoo
Cuculus micropterus compared with Surniculus velutinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Philippine Drongo-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Surniculus velutinus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 22.2 cm (8.7 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 38.480000000000004 g (1.36 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.
Philippine Drongo-cuckoo
Sharp, penetrating whistle; clear emphatic notes carrying through dense forest in Philippines. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Philippine 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
Philippine Drongo-cuckoo
Philippine Drongo-cuckoo: glossy black overall; forked tail; drongo-like appearance; pale tip tail; red eye; Philippine endemic
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.
Philippine Drongo-cuckoo
Philippine Drongo-cuckoo (Surniculus velutinus) — 23–27 cm. Glossy blue-black with white barring on the vent; mimics the forked tail of drongos to deceive hosts; long notched tail. Endemic to the Philippines in forest and forest edge. Brood parasite targeting monarch-flycatchers. Insectivore.