Deep, hollow resonant booming call; powerful low notes carrying far through dense tropical forest. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Conservation Status Comparison
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Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Biak Coucal
Least Concern
African Emerald Cuckoo
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Biak Coucal
Plumage
Black-hooded Coucal: black hood contrasting brown mantle; rufous-brown wings; pale buff below; long dark tail; red eye; bold hood
African Emerald Cuckoo
Plumage
New Caledonian Bronze-cuckoo: bronze-green above; barred white below; island endemic; red eye; iridescent bronze-green; small size
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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Biak Coucal (Centropus chalybeus) — 42–48 cm. Glossy blue-black above; chestnut-rufous wings; pale buff underparts; heavy bill. Endemic to Biak Island, Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Inhabits lowland and foothill forest. Non-parasitic. Omnivore. Listed as Vulnerable due to its very restricted island range and ongoing habitat degradation.
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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Related Comparisons
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More Birds in Family
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