White-crowned Cuckoo vs African Cuckoo
Caliechthrus leucolophus compared with Cuculus gularis
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | White-crowned Cuckoo | African Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Caliechthrus leucolophus | Cuculus gularis |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 34.8 cm (13.7 in) | 41.8 cm (16.5 in) |
| Weight | 112.75 g (3.98 oz) | 105.0 g (3.70 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
White-crowned Cuckoo
Loud, resonant call with musical quality; rich carrying notes building in sequence from forest perch.
African Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall African forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
White-crowned Cuckoo
African Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
White-crowned Cuckoo
White-crowned Cuckoo: white crown; dark brown mantle; pale below; long dark tail; distinctive white crown contrasting dark body
African Cuckoo
African Cuckoo: gray above; white below with rufous barring; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; African migrant similar to Common
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 Cuckoo
African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis) — 32–35 cm. Very similar to Common Cuckoo; grey above; barred below; yellow bill base and orbital ring; long tail. Migratory intra-African breeder across sub-Saharan woodland and savanna. Brood parasite primarily targeting fork-tailed drongos. Insectivore.