Eastern Koel vs Western Koel

Eudynamys orientalis compared with Eudynamys scolopaceus

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Eastern Koel Western Koel
Scientific Name Eudynamys orientalis Eudynamys scolopaceus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 42.0 cm (16.5 in) 39.3 cm (15.5 in)
Weight 239.33333333333334 g (8.44 oz) 230.0 g (8.11 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1 2-3
Population Trend
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Eastern Koel only

None

Western Koel only

None

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Song & Call Comparison

Eastern Koel

Song

Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep musical notes audible through dense tropical forest in Sumatra.

Western Koel

Song

Loud, far-carrying nasal call; distinctive penetrating notes audible through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Eastern Koel

Least Concern

Western Koel

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How to Tell Them Apart

Eastern Koel

Plumage

Rufous-throated Bronze-cuckoo: rufous throat contrasting bronze-green above; barred white below; small; distinctive rufous throat

Western Koel

Plumage

Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size

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About These Birds

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.

Western Koel

Western Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) — 39–46 cm. Male glossy black; female brown with white spots and barred underparts; red eye. Widespread from South Asia through mainland Southeast Asia. Brood parasite targeting crows and mynas. Frugivore and insectivore. Its rising wailing call heralds the Indian summer.

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