Fan-tailed Cuckoo vs African Emerald Cuckoo
Cacomantis flabelliformis compared with Chrysococcyx cupreus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Fan-tailed Cuckoo | African Emerald Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cacomantis flabelliformis | Chrysococcyx cupreus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 27.4 cm (10.8 in) | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 53.8 g (1.90 oz) | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh quality; penetrating rough notes carrying through dense forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
African Emerald Cuckoo
Deep, hollow resonant booming call; powerful low notes carrying far through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
African Emerald Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Fan-tailed Cuckoo: dark gray-brown above; rufous-orange breast; white-tipped tail feathers; yellow eye-ring; fan-shaped tail display
African Emerald Cuckoo
About These Birds
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis) — 24–28 cm. Grey above; rich rufous-orange below; yellow orbital ring; tail with white spots. Found in forest, woodland, and heath across Australia, New Guinea, and SW Pacific islands. Brood parasite targeting thornbills, scrubwrens, and gerygones. Insectivore.
African Emerald Cuckoo
African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) — 20–22 cm. Male: dazzling emerald green above and on breast; yellow belly; red bill. Female: bronze-green above; rufous-barred below. Inhabits primary forest and dense secondary growth across West and Central Africa. Brood parasite targeting sunbirds and other small passerines. Insectivore.