Sahul Brush Cuckoo vs Lesser Ground-cuckoo
Cacomantis variolosus compared with Morococcyx erythropygus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Sahul Brush Cuckoo | Lesser Ground-cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cacomantis variolosus | Morococcyx erythropygus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 23.1 cm (9.1 in) | 19.8 cm (7.8 in) |
| Weight | 35.0 g (1.23 oz) | 66.6 g (2.35 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Sahul Brush Cuckoo
Loud, raucous call with harsh nasal quality; penetrating notes carrying through dense forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Lesser Ground-cuckoo
Soft, ventriloquial whistled phrase; clear pure notes given quietly and deceptively from dense tropical thicket.
Conservation Status
Sahul Brush Cuckoo
Lesser Ground-cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Sahul Brush Cuckoo
Sahul Brush Cuckoo: brown above; pale buff below; long dark tail; yellow-green orbital ring; Sahul region Australasian species
Lesser Ground-cuckoo
Greater Roadrunner: boldly streaked brown above; white-cream below with dark streaks; long tail; shaggy crest; bare facial skin; fast runner
About These Birds
Sahul Brush Cuckoo
Sahul Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis variolosus) — 22–26 cm. Brown above; rufous-buff below; variable plumage; yellow orbital ring; long tail. Found in forest, mangroves, and secondary growth in New Guinea, north Australia, and Melanesia. Brood parasite targeting gerygones and other warblers. Insectivore.
Lesser Ground-cuckoo
Lesser Ground-cuckoo (Morococcyx erythropygus) — 28 cm. Brown above; chestnut rump; whitish underparts; bare blue orbital skin. Inhabits dry and semi-arid scrub from Mexico to Costa Rica. Non-parasitic; builds its own nest in low shrubs. Runs on the ground hunting large insects, lizards, and amphibians. Monotypic genus endemic to Mesoamerica.