Himalayan Cuckoo or Oriental Cuckoo ? Singapore (1 Viewer)

[Meerkat]

Is this a Himalayan Cuckoo or a Oriental Cuckoo ? Singapore

 

[HouseCrow]

I'm happy to hear it, but I think the Cuckoos are notoriously hard to separate in the field without calls or song.
I have posted a few questions about Japanese cuckoos over the years -none with clear frontal photos like yours.

Indian Cuckoo is another option I would think, but I doubt you will get a positive ID for this. Maybe Grahame has an answer.

cheers,
Gerben

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

Is this a Himalayan Cuckoo or a Oriental Cuckoo ? Singapore

Good question Meerkat, but sadly one that cannot be answered since the two are considered inseparable in the field. There are differences in vocalisations and biometrics (wing length), Himalayan being smaller. However, there is an overlap in measurements so, not all are identifiable on biometrics alone, in which case, one would have to resort to DNA analysis of a feather/blood sample.

In recent years a small number of Oriental Cuckoos have been trapped on Ko Man Nai in the Gulf of Thailand (northbound) confirming the species does pass through the Thai-Malay peninsula on passage.

All recent records in Singapore appear to be listed as Himalayan/Oriental yet Himalayan is on the most recent checklist, presumably, by virtue of a historic record(s) involving a museum specimen and/or a trapped bird. see Himalayan Cuckoo

In answer to Gerben's query re Indian, the OP does show atypically well-marked under tail coverts for Himalayan/Oriental, a feature more associated with Indian but, like many features, this is very variable and well-marked individuals like the OP occur ML439368801 - Himalayan Cuckoo - Macaulay Library There does not appear to be a black subterminal tail band which would confirm Indian.

Grahame

 

[Jason Bugay Reyes]

Is this a Himalayan Cuckoo or a Oriental Cuckoo ? Singapore

Excellent pic!