Pied Coucal vs African Emerald Cuckoo

Centropus ateralbus compared with Chrysococcyx cupreus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Pied Coucal African Emerald Cuckoo
Scientific Name Centropus ateralbus Chrysococcyx cupreus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 42.0 cm (16.5 in) 21.1 cm (8.3 in)
Weight 336.75 g (11.88 oz) 38.0 g (1.34 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 2 --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Pied Coucal only

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Pied Coucal

Song

Loud, far-carrying cooing call; deep resonant notes given repeatedly from tall forest tree in Africa.

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

Pied Coucal

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

About These Birds

Pied Coucal

Pied Coucal (Centropus ateralbus) — 55–60 cm. Striking black-and-white coucal; glossy black wings and tail; pure white head, neck, and underparts. Restricted to New Britain and nearby islands (Papua New Guinea) in forest edge and secondary growth. Non-parasitic. Omnivore; hunts lizards, large insects, and small vertebrates. Status locally secure.

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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