African Cuckoo vs Eastern Koel
Cuculus gularis compared with Eudynamys orientalis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Eastern Koel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Eudynamys orientalis |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 42.0 cm (16.5 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 239.33333333333334 g (8.44 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 1 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
African Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall African forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Eastern Koel
Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep musical notes audible through dense tropical forest in Sumatra.
Conservation Status
African Cuckoo
Eastern Koel
How to Tell Them Apart
African Cuckoo
African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common
Eastern Koel
About These Birds
African Cuckoo
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.
Eastern Koel
Eastern Koel (Eudynamys orientalis) — 38–46 cm. Male glossy black; female brown with heavy spotting; pale green bill; red eye; long tail. Ranges across Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and Australia; migrates to Australia in spring. Brood parasite targeting magpies and friarbirds. Frugivore; disperses rainforest seeds.