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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.
Green-billed Malkoha
Song
Loud, far-carrying call with mellow quality; rich resonant notes given repeatedly from tropical forest.
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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
Green-billed 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
Green-billed Malkoha
Plumage
Sirkeer Malkoha: rufous-brown above; pale buff below; large curved yellow-red bill; graduated dark tail; yellow orbital ring; India
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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.
Green-billed Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus tristis) — 48–55 cm. One of the largest malkohas; grey-green above; dark grey below; long tail with broad white tips; large curved green bill; bare red orbital skin. Widespread in forest and forest edge from Nepal through Southeast Asia and southern China. Non-parasitic. Insectivore and frugivore.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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