African Cuckoo vs Dwarf Koel
Cuculus gularis compared with Microdynamis parva
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Cuckoo | Dwarf Koel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cuculus gularis | Microdynamis parva |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) | 21.0 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) | 49.075 g (1.73 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
African Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall African forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Dwarf Koel
Loud, nasal call with carrying quality; distinctive resonant notes given from forest canopy in Asia.
Conservation Status
African Cuckoo
Dwarf Koel
How to Tell Them Apart
African Cuckoo
African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common
Dwarf Koel
About These Birds
African Cuckoo
African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) — 32–35 cm. Very similar to Common Cuckoo; grey above; barred below; yellow bill base and orbital ring; long tail. Migratory intra-African breeder across sub-Saharan woodland and savanna. Brood parasite primarily targeting fork-tailed drongos. Insectivore.
Dwarf Koel
Dwarf Koel (Microdynamis parva) — 20–24 cm. Tiny koel; male blackish; female brown with white spots; short tail; small curved bill. Inhabits primary lowland forest of New Guinea. Brood parasite; host species poorly documented. Insectivore and frugivore. Rare and little studied.