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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
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.
Scale-feathered Malkoha
Song
Loud, far-carrying whistled call; pure melodic notes resonating through dense tropical forest canopy.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Least Concern
Western Koel
Least Concern
Scale-feathered Malkoha
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Western Koel
Plumage
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
Scale-feathered Malkoha
Plumage
Large Green-billed Malkoha: large; green above; pale buff below; very large green bill; bare red facial skin; long green-glossed tail
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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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.
Scale-feathered Malkoha (Lepidogrammus cumingi) — 40–45 cm. Unique among malkohas for the male's scaly white-tipped breast feathers; green above; bare red orbital skin. Endemic to the Philippines (Luzon and nearby islands). Inhabits forest and scrub. Non-parasitic. Insectivore.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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