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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Violaceous Coucal
Chant
Loud, resonant call with melodic quality; rich carrying notes audible through dense Madagascar lowland forest.
Western Koel
Chant
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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Statut de conservation
Least Concern
Violaceous Coucal
Least Concern
Western Koel
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Violaceous Coucal
Plumage
Coppery-tailed Coucal: dark brown above; rufous wings; pale below; coppery-iridescent tail; red eye; coppery tail iridescence
Western Koel
Plumage
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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Violaceous Coucal (Centropus violaceus) — 45–50 cm. Entirely deep blue-violet with a glossy sheen; long graduated tail; heavy black bill. Endemic to Manus Island and Admiralty Islands, Papua New Guinea. Inhabits forest and secondary growth. Non-parasitic. Omnivore.
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.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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