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

Shared Habitats

None

Burchell's Coucal only

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Burchell's Coucal

Song

Loud, raucous call with harsh character; piercing notes carrying impressively through dense humid forest.

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

Not Evaluated

Burchell's Coucal

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

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.

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