Western Koel vs Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Eudynamys scolopaceus compared with Surniculus lugubris
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Western Koel | Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eudynamys scolopaceus | Surniculus lugubris |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 23.8 cm (9.4 in) |
| Weight | 230.0 g (8.11 oz) | 31.65 g (1.12 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 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.
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh penetrating quality; rough notes given from tall forest tree. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Western Koel
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
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
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo: glossy black; square-cut tail; drongo mimic; pale tail tips; red eye; southeast Asian drongo mimic
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.
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) — 24–27 cm. Glossy blue-black overall; white vent barring; square-cut tail. Inhabits forest from the Himalayas through the Malay Peninsula to Borneo and the Philippines. Brood parasite mimicking drongos to penetrate nesting territories. Insectivore.