Indian Cuckoo vs Red-billed Malkoha
Cuculus micropterus compared with Zanclostomus javanicus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Indian Cuckoo | Red-billed Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus micropterus | Zanclostomus javanicus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 28.8 cm (11.3 in) |
| Weight | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) | 115.5 g (4.07 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.
Red-billed Malkoha
Sharp, staccato chip note; clean emphatic sound repeated rhythmically from dense tropical scrub habitat.
Conservation Status
Indian Cuckoo
Red-billed 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
Red-billed 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.
Red-billed Malkoha
Red-billed Malkoha (Zanclostomus javanicus) — 38–44 cm. Blue-green above with a rufous belly; bright red bill and bare red orbital skin; long white-tipped tail. Inhabits primary and tall secondary forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Java. Non-parasitic. Insectivore feeding on large caterpillars and invertebrates.