Western Koel vs Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Eudynamys scolopaceus compared with Phaenicophaeus curvirostris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Western Koel | Chestnut-breasted Malkoha |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eudynamys scolopaceus | Phaenicophaeus curvirostris |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 32.9 cm (13.0 in) |
| Weight | 230.0 g (8.11 oz) | 151.525 g (5.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Western Koel
Loud, far-carrying nasal call; distinctive penetrating notes audible through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Loud, far-carrying plaintive call; pure resonant notes carrying through open dry scrub habitat. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Western Koel
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
How to Tell Them Apart
Western Koel
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Coquerel's Coua: olive-gray above; rufous-buff below; bare blue facial skin; long white-tipped tail; Madagascar dry forest cuckoo
About These Birds
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.
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris) — 44–50 cm. Dark green above; chestnut breast; whitish belly; decurved green bill; bare red orbital skin; long white-tipped tail. Widespread in lowland forest and mangroves from the Malay Peninsula to the Philippines. Non-parasitic. Insectivore; specialises in large caterpillars.