Burchell's Coucal vs African Emerald Cuckoo
Centropus burchellii compared with Chrysococcyx cupreus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Burchell's Coucal | African Emerald Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus burchellii | Chrysococcyx cupreus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 182.2 g (6.43 oz) | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Burchell's Coucal
Loud, raucous call with harsh character; piercing notes carrying impressively through dense humid 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
Burchell's Coucal
African Emerald Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Burchell's Coucal
Steere's Coucal: dark brown above with iridescent gloss; rufous wings; pale below; long dark tail; red eye; Philippine island endemic
African Emerald Cuckoo
New Caledonian Bronze-cuckoo: bronze-green above; barred white below; island endemic; red eye; iridescent bronze-green; small size
About These Birds
Burchell's Coucal
Burchell's Coucal (Centropus burchellii) — 37–42 cm. Chestnut back; black head and tail; white underparts; white supercilium. Inhabits rank grass, forest edge, and gardens of southern Africa. Non-parasitic; builds a large domed nest in dense grass. Omnivore; often known as 'rainbird' because its call is associated with rainy weather.
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.