Lesser Coucal vs African Emerald Cuckoo
Centropus bengalensis compared with Chrysococcyx cupreus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Coucal | African Emerald Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus bengalensis | Chrysococcyx cupreus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 30.9 cm (12.2 in) | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 172.075 g (6.07 oz) | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2-4 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Lesser Coucal
Loud, raucous call with harsh nasal quality; piercing notes carrying far through dense Madagascar forest.
African Emerald Cuckoo
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
Lesser Coucal
African Emerald Cuckoo
About These Birds
Lesser Coucal
Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis) — 33–38 cm. Streaked brown above with a rufous wing panel; pale buff underparts; graduated tail. Widespread from India through Southeast Asia and China; inhabits grassland, scrub, and forest edges. Non-parasitic. Insectivore and small vertebrate predator. Smaller and more grass-dwelling than related species.
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.