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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.
Common Squirrel-cuckoo
Song
Harsh, far-carrying call with raucous quality; loud rough notes carrying through dense 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
Common Squirrel-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
Common Squirrel-cuckoo
Plumage
Great Spotted Cuckoo: gray above with white spots; pale below; long white-spotted dark tail; long pale crest; European migrant
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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.
Common Squirrel-cuckoo (Piaya cayana) — 40–50 cm. Brilliant rufous-chestnut above and on breast; grey belly; yellow-green bill; very long tail with bold black-and-white tips. Widespread in forest and forest edge from Mexico to Bolivia and Argentina. Non-parasitic. Insectivore; agile forager in tree canopy catching large insects and caterpillars.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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