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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Western Koel
Gesang
Loud, far-carrying nasal call; distinctive penetrating notes audible through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Blue-faced Malkoha
Gesang
Loud, raucous far-carrying call; harsh penetrating notes carrying well through dense forest habitat.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Erhaltungsstatus
Least Concern
Western Koel
Least Concern
Blue-faced Malkoha
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Western Koel
Gefieder
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
Blue-faced Malkoha
Gefieder
Yellowbill (African): yellow bill; plain olive-brown above; pale buff-white below; long graduated brown tail; African forest cuckoo
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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.
Blue-faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus viridirostris) — 38–42 cm. Green and chestnut; vivid bare blue orbital skin; green bill. Inhabits dry scrub and forest edge across peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Non-parasitic; builds a small cup nest in dense scrub. Insectivore and frugivore.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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