Gabon Coucal vs Lesser Roadrunner
Centropus anselli compared with Geococcyx velox
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Gabon Coucal | Lesser Roadrunner |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus anselli | Geococcyx velox |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 37.2 cm (14.6 in) | 28.3 cm (11.1 in) |
| Weight | 210.0 g (7.41 oz) | 184.1 g (6.49 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Gabon Coucal
Loud, far-carrying call with bold character; resonant deep notes given from tall forest tree in Africa.
Lesser Roadrunner
Loud, call carrying far; distinctive hollow notes audible across dry open Central American terrain. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Gabon Coucal
Lesser Roadrunner
About These Birds
Gabon Coucal
Gabon Coucal (Centropus anselli) — 38–43 cm. Rufous-chestnut back and wings; black head and underparts; graduated tail. Confined to dense forest and swampy undergrowth of Gabon and Congo Basin. Non-parasitic. Omnivore; often forages near water. Previously treated as a subspecies of Black-throated Coucal.
Lesser Roadrunner
Lesser Roadrunner (Geococcyx velox) — 46–52 cm. Similar to Greater Roadrunner but smaller with a more streaked breast. Found in dry scrub, open woodland, and arid valleys from Mexico to Nicaragua. Non-parasitic; carnivorous; eats insects and small vertebrates. Shares the same terrestrial running lifestyle as its northern relative.