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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
African Cuckoo
Song
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
Song
Loud, nasal call with carrying quality; distinctive resonant notes given from forest canopy in Asia.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Cuckoo
Least Concern
Dwarf Koel
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
African Cuckoo
Plumage
African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common
Dwarf Koel
Plumage
Channel-billed Cuckoo: pale gray-white; dark wings; massive pale curved bill; red orbital ring; long dark tail; unique bill size
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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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 (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.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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