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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
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.
Black-bellied Malkoha
Chant
Loud, melodic far-carrying call; rich resonant notes audible impressively through 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
Western Koel
Near Threatened
Black-bellied Malkoha
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Western Koel
Plumage
Shining Bronze-cuckoo: brilliant iridescent golden-green above; white barred below; bronze-green head; reddish eye; small size
Black-bellied Malkoha
Plumage
African Yellowbill (Ceuthmochares): yellow bill; olive-brown above; white-buff below; long brown tail; slender; forest species
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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.
Black-bellied Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus diardi) — 36–40 cm. Dark glossy green above; entirely black below; long tail; bare red orbital skin; green bill. Inhabits lowland and foothill forest of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Non-parasitic. Insectivore.
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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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