Western Koel vs Philippine Drongo-cuckoo
Eudynamys scolopaceus compared with Surniculus velutinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Western Koel | Philippine Drongo-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eudynamys scolopaceus | Surniculus velutinus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) | 22.2 cm (8.7 in) |
| Weight | 230.0 g (8.11 oz) | 38.480000000000004 g (1.36 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.
Philippine Drongo-cuckoo
Sharp, penetrating whistle; clear emphatic notes carrying through dense forest in Philippines. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Western Koel
Philippine 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
Philippine Drongo-cuckoo
Philippine Drongo-cuckoo: glossy black overall; forked tail; drongo-like appearance; pale tip tail; red eye; Philippine endemic
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.
Philippine Drongo-cuckoo
Philippine Drongo-cuckoo (Surniculus velutinus) — 23–27 cm. Glossy blue-black with white barring on the vent; mimics the forked tail of drongos to deceive hosts; long notched tail. Endemic to the Philippines in forest and forest edge. Brood parasite targeting monarch-flycatchers. Insectivore.