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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Bay-breasted Cuckoo
Chant
Loud, far-carrying resonant call; deep melodic notes audible across dense tropical forest in Africa.
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
Endangered
Bay-breasted 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
Bay-breasted Cuckoo
Plumage
Pearly-breasted Cuckoo: gray above; pearly-white below; long dark spotted tail; similar to Yellow-billed; South American species
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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Bay-breasted Cuckoo (Coccyzus rufigularis) — 44–48 cm. Large; brown above; deep rufous-chestnut breast; white belly; long tail with white spots. Endemic to Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic). Non-parasitic. Omnivore; hunts lizards, large insects. Endangered due to severe deforestation.
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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