White-crowned Cuckoo vs African Emerald Cuckoo

Caliechthrus leucolophus compared with Chrysococcyx cupreus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute White-crowned Cuckoo African Emerald Cuckoo
Scientific Name Caliechthrus leucolophus Chrysococcyx cupreus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 34.8 cm (13.7 in) 21.1 cm (8.3 in)
Weight 112.75 g (3.98 oz) 38.0 g (1.34 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

White-crowned Cuckoo only

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

White-crowned Cuckoo

Song

Loud, resonant call with musical quality; rich carrying notes building in sequence from forest perch.

African Emerald Cuckoo

Song

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

Least Concern

White-crowned Cuckoo

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

How to Tell Them Apart

White-crowned Cuckoo

Plumage

White-crowned Cuckoo: white crown; dark brown mantle; pale below; long dark tail; distinctive white crown contrasting dark body

African Emerald Cuckoo

About These Birds

White-crowned Cuckoo

White-crowned Cuckoo (Caliechthrus leucolophus) — 30–34 cm. Striking; black-and-white; white crown and underparts; black back and wings; long tail. Inhabits lowland forest and forest edge of New Guinea. Brood parasite; hosts include whistlers. 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.

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