Lesser vs Indian Cuckoo / Sri Lanka (1 Viewer)

[PavelPavlov]

Hello, I am curious if anyone could come up with a way to distinguish between Indian/Lesser with certainty, looking at these pictures. Taken on 16.12.2024 in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. I have only experience with Common Cuckoo and I can say this one was way smaller - this could be enough as a distinctive feature, but how could I know, when I haven't seen it before. Thanks in advance!

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

Hello, I am curious if anyone could come up with a way to distinguish between Indian/Lesser with certainty, looking at these pictures. Taken on 16.12.2024 in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. I have only experience with Common Cuckoo and I can say this one was way smaller - this could be enough as a distinctive feature, but how could I know, when I haven't seen it before. Thanks in advance!

Its an immature Indian Cuckoo on account of the diagnostic broad white-tipping to the scapulars, wing coverts and remiges. Unfortunately there is no clear view of the tail which would reveal a black subterminal tail band.

Grahame

P.S And a warm welcome to Birdforum!

 

[PavelPavlov]

Thank you! Yeah, a view of the tail would be helpful.