Cuckoo in Dalian, China (1 Viewer)

[dbeek]

Hi. Any idea on this Cuckoo seen today in Jinshitan? (near Dalian, China)

Thanks in advance!

Dave Beeke

 

[Howard King]

No expert myself but seeing them bars in the undertail coverts suggest European over Oriental ??

 

[Gretchen]

Nice pictures from all angles! I haven't really identified cuckoos - would love to see this - but am looking at two pics from OBC:

Oriental - http://orientalbirdimages.org/search.php?action=searchresult&Bird_ID=444&Bird_Image_ID=32333&Bird_Family_ID=&p=6

Eurasian http://orientalbirdimages.org/search.php?action=searchresult&Bird_ID=445&Bird_Image_ID=25566&Bird_Family_ID=&p=12

Seems like the colors (softer grey and lighter bars) looks good for Eurasian, but I would think the striped undertail coverts of Oriental look better? It looks like eye color could help distinguish (eurasian more yellow?), but not clear from pic. Not sure what other features will help... next person?

 

[Hanno]

Eurasian for me: no buff on underparts, barred on undertail coverts, not very prominent bars. I am not sure that eye color, if it was visible, would be of any help.

 

[dbeek]

Thanks all. I went back today and refound the bird. It was calling with a "kok - cooooo" call so I think that confirms it as a Eurasian Cuckoo. Thanks a lot!

You all are so helpful!

Dave