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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Plaintive Cuckoo
Canto
Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep notes given from dense forest canopy in Africa. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Western Koel
Canto
Loud, far-carrying nasal call; distinctive penetrating notes audible through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Estado de conservación
Least Concern
Plaintive Cuckoo
Least Concern
Western Koel
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Plaintive Cuckoo
Plumaje
Plaintive Cuckoo: gray-brown above; rufous-orange below; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; sexually dimorphic rufous morph females
Western Koel
Plumaje
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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Plaintive Cuckoo (Cacomantis merulinus) — 20–24 cm. Male: grey above; rufous-orange below; yellow orbital skin. Female: heavily barred morph often differs. Widespread in South and Southeast Asia from Bangladesh to the Philippines. Brood parasite targeting tailorbirds and other warblers. Insectivore. Named for its plaintive descending whistle.
Koel asiático, 42-46 cm. Macho negro brillante con ojos rojos; hembra parda moteada. Ampliamente distribuido en Asia del Sur y Sudeste Asiático. Parásito de nido. Canto muy reconocible. Preocupación menor.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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