Goliath Coucal vs African Emerald Cuckoo

Centropus goliath compared with Chrysococcyx cupreus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Goliath Coucal African Emerald Cuckoo
Scientific Name Centropus goliath Chrysococcyx cupreus
Order Cuculiformes Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae Cuculidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 53.8 cm (21.2 in) 21.1 cm (8.3 in)
Weight 509.0 g (17.95 oz) 38.0 g (1.34 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size -- --
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Goliath Coucal only

African Emerald Cuckoo only

None

Song & Call Comparison

Goliath Coucal

Song

Loud, far-carrying coo with resonant quality; deep notes building in dramatic sequence from forest perch.

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

Goliath Coucal

Least Concern

African Emerald Cuckoo

About These Birds

Goliath Coucal

Goliath Coucal (Centropus goliath) — 65–75 cm. The largest coucal; all-dark with a massive decurved bill; faint bronze-green gloss; very long tail. Endemic to the Moluccas, Indonesia, in primary lowland forest. Non-parasitic. Omnivore; hunts large lizards, birds, frogs, and invertebrates.

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.

More Birds to Explore

Explore the Nature FYI Family