Black Coucal vs African Emerald Cuckoo
Centropus grillii compared with Chrysococcyx cupreus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Black Coucal | African Emerald Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropus grillii | Chrysococcyx cupreus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 32.0 cm (12.6 in) | 21.1 cm (8.3 in) |
| Weight | 117.66666666666667 g (4.15 oz) | 38.0 g (1.34 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-6 | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Black Coucal
Melodic, flute-like phrase with musical quality; clear rich notes cascading pleasantly from 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
Black Coucal
African Emerald Cuckoo
About These Birds
Black Coucal
Black Coucal (Centropus grillii) — 30–35 cm. Entirely glossy black with chestnut wings in breeding plumage; non-breeding birds streaked brown. Found in tall grass and reed beds across sub-Saharan Africa. Non-parasitic; notable for reverse sex roles — female larger, male incubates and raises young. Insectivore.
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.