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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
African Cuckoo
Song
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall African forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Himalayan Cuckoo
Song
Loud, far-carrying call; resonant notes given from tall Himalayan forest canopy at dawn. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Cuckoo
Least Concern
Himalayan Cuckoo
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
African Cuckoo
Plumage
African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common
Himalayan Cuckoo
Plumage
Himalayan Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; Himalayan high-altitude species
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) — 32–35 cm. Very similar to Common Cuckoo; grey above; barred below; yellow bill base and orbital ring; long tail. Migratory intra-African breeder across sub-Saharan woodland and savanna. Brood parasite primarily targeting fork-tailed drongos. Insectivore.
Himalayan Cuckoo (Cuculus saturatus) — 31–33 cm. Grey above; warm buff-barred underparts; yellow orbital ring; long tail. Breeds in Himalayan and Chinese mountain forest; winters to Southeast Asia. Brood parasite targeting bush-warblers. Insectivore.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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