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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Black-eared Cuckoo
Chant
Deep, resonant call with hollow quality; powerful low notes carrying through dense forest in Asia. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
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
Black-eared 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
Black-eared Cuckoo
Plumage
Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo (alt): bronze-green above; narrow white bars below; incomplete barring; reddish eye; typical Australian
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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Black-eared Cuckoo (Chalcites osculans) — 18–20 cm. Brown above with bronzy wash; distinctive black ear-patch; pale buff underparts with faint barring; white supercilium. Inhabits arid and semi-arid scrubland and mulga of inland Australia. Brood parasite targeting speckled warblers and other scrub-dwelling hosts. Insectivore.
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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