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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.
Saint Helena Cuckoo
Song
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from dense island forest canopy. 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
Western Koel
Extinct
Saint Helena Cuckoo
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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
Saint Helena Cuckoo
Plumage
Saint Helena Cuckoo: extinct; brown above; pale below; long graduated tail; island cuckoo; known only from subfossil remains
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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.
Saint Helena Cuckoo (Nannococcyx psix) — ~25 cm. Extinct. Known only from subfossil remains from Saint Helena, South Atlantic. A small cuckoo inferred from bone morphology; likely became extinct following human colonisation of the island in the 16th century and the introduction of predators.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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