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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.
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Song
Loud, melodic call with musical quality; resonant notes building in pleasant sequence from forest perch.
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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
Channel-billed 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
Channel-billed Cuckoo
Plumage
Little Bronze-cuckoo: small; bronze-green above; barred white below; red eye; iridescent green-bronze; Papuan species; tiny size
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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.
Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novaehollandiae) — 58–65 cm; wingspan to 100 cm. The world's largest cuckoo; pale grey; enormous decurved horn-coloured bill; bare red orbital skin. Migratory; breeds in Australia and New Guinea; winters in Indonesia. Brood parasite targeting currawongs and magpies. Frugivore; disperses wild figs.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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